Committee recommends technical fix to let DNR temporarily store drill core off‑site

Representative Igoe introduced House File 41‑46 as a short technical fix to allow limited temporary cold storage of drill core material while the state pursues funding for permanent repository expansion. "We have a drill core storage library located in Hibbing, Minnesota in my district. It is at full capacity," Igoe told the committee and argued that without temporary flexibility "scientific discovery...will just be thrown out."

Joe Henderson, director of lands and minerals at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, testified that the Hibbing repository "preserves more than half $1,000,000,000 of geologic data" used by universities, government researchers and industry, and said the department expects to receive at least "9 semi trailers of additional core this summer alone" with nowhere to put it. Henderson described trailer storage as a stopgap that is inefficient, expensive and risks damaging samples; he warned the department could be forced to reject core without the temporary statutory fix.

There were no public objections. Representative Igoe limited public testimony and, after brief member questions (including one unrelated DNR follow‑up about Camp Coldwater Spring), the chair renewed the motion and the committee recommended HF 41‑46 to the general register by voice vote.

The committee action advances a narrowly scoped statutory change designed to preserve irreplaceable geologic samples while a longer‑term bonding solution is pursued.