PolyMet Issues Statement Addressing EPA's Filing on Section 401 Determination

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today filed a voluntary motion to remand its downstream water quality decision under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, according to Poly Met Mining, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PolyMet Mining Corp. (TSX: POM) (NYSE American: PLM) (together "PolyMet" or the "company"). The company issued the following statement in response:

The science shows that PolyMet's project has no downstream water quality effects. EPA has never said otherwise, but it did not make explicit findings when the issue arose in 2018 after the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency certified that the project will not affect the state's water quality. This 90-day remand gives it the opportunity to do so.

PolyMet plans to participate fully, as appropriate, in this process and believes the science will once again prevail. The science is clear that water discharges from the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals mine will have no impact on downstream waters.

Two weeks ago, a federal district court dismissed claims against EPA under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act. EPA's request for a voluntary remand today does not affect that dismissal.

* * * * *

About PolyMet

PolyMet is a mine development company that owns 100% of the NorthMet Project, the first large-scale project to be permitted within the Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota, one of the world's major, undeveloped mining regions. NorthMet has significant proven and probable reserves of copper, nickel and palladium - metals vital to global carbon reduction efforts - in addition to marketable reserves of cobalt, platinum and gold. When operational, NorthMet will become one of the leading producers of nickel, palladium and cobalt in the U.S., providing a much needed, responsibly mined source of these critical and essential metals.

Located in the Mesabi Iron Range, the project will provide economic diversity while leveraging the region's established supplier network and skilled workforce, and generate a level of activity that will have a significant effect in the local economy. For more information: www.polymetmining.com.

For further information, please contact:

Media
Bruce Richardson, Corporate Communications
Tel: +1 (651) 389-4111
brichardson@polymetmining.com

Investor Relations
Tony Gikas, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (651) 389-4110
investorrelations@polymetmining.com

PolyMet Disclosures

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in PolyMet's operations in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "potential," "possible," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved or their negatives or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the ability to receive environmental and operating permits, job creation, and the effect on the local economy, or other statements that are not a statement of fact. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing PolyMet or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying its predictions.

PolyMet's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and PolyMet does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations and opinions should change.

Specific reference is made to risk factors and other considerations underlying forward-looking statements discussed in PolyMet's most recent Annual Report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, and in our other filings with Canadian securities authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Annual Report on Form 40-F also contains the company's mineral resource and other data as required under National Instrument 43-101.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76139

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

The Conversation (0)
Aerial view of desert landscape with two cars and industrial tanks surrounded by sparse greenery.

Low-impact, High-reward ISR Copper Extraction Gains Investment Momentum

In the delicate balancing act between meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals and ensuring environmental responsibility in resource extraction, processes and technologies that can achieve both aims are winning in the eyes of junior explorers and investors.In copper mining, in-situ... Keep Reading...
Hand holding a small brown rock with a blurred earthy background.

PPC, Lundin Freeze 2026 Processing Fees as Smelters Near Breaking Point

Japan’s largest copper smelter has secured a rare reprieve in one of the tightest processing-fee environments the industry has ever seen.According to media reports, Pan Pacific Copper has agreed with Lundin Mining (TSX:LUN,OTC Pink:LUNMF) to roll over treatment and refining charges for 2026... Keep Reading...
Copper pipes laid on top of each other in bundles.

5 Best-performing Copper Stocks on the TSX in 2025

Copper prices were volatile in 2025 amid several competing narratives, including the possibility of a global recession early in the year and tariff measures in July. By the end of the year, prices found support as supply and demand conditions came into focus and pointed to a deepening supply... Keep Reading...
Closeup of the end of many copper cylinders of varying sizes.

Top 5 ASX Copper Stocks of 2025

Copper prices have been volatile in 2025 as the market was impacted by geopolitical events shifting supply and demand fundamentals. Overall prices have been on an upward trajectory throughout the year as demand growth accelerates on the back of the development of artificial intelligence, the... Keep Reading...
Closeup of stacked copper bars with reflective surface.

Copper Price Forecast: Top Trends for Copper in 2026

Copper prices were volatile in 2025 due to supply constraints, high demand and geopolitical concerns.Experts are calling for many of these trends to carry over into 2026, sending the market into deficit. Beyond supply and demand fundamentals, copper will also be met with global uncertainty as... Keep Reading...
Aterian Plc

Transformational AI-Led JV with Lithosquare SAS

€1.4 million exploration acceleration programme for Aterian's Moroccan and Botswana copper and critical mineral targets

Aterian plc (LSE: ATN), the critical mineral exploration and development company focused on Africa, is pleased to announce the signing of a binding Heads of Terms ("HoT") for a strategic, AI-powered earn-in joint venture ("JV") with Lithosquare SAS ("Lithosquare"), a Paris-based next-generation... Keep Reading...

Latest Press Releases

Related News