Critics warn new copper and nickel mines will harm northeastern Minnesota's land and water. But St. Louis County commissioners sided with those who say mining can be done well and bring economic prosperity.

The new position will act as a facilitator for mining projects and oversee state regulations for taconite and copper-nickel mining. Officials say they're hoping to fill the role as quickly as possible.

The Department of Natural Resources is auctioning rights to prospect and mine for metallic minerals on close to 64,000 acres in northeastern Minnesota, in Aitkiin, St. Louis and Lake counties, the Associated Press reports.

The Rochester Post Bulletin reports both the Houston and Fillmore County Boards passed resolutions earlier this week. Goodhue, Wabasha and Winona are also among the list of counties, cities and townships concerned with the proliferation of silica sand mines.

County commissioners in Winona are among the latest officials in southeast Minnesota to hit the pause button on frac sand mining while they study possible environmental and public health effects.

High Country Sand wants the court to order the county to move forward with reviewing and approving its application to build a silica sand mine. The county says it put the moratorium in place to give officials time to review whether silica sand mining warrants new rules to protect health and the environment. Silica sand is used in hydraulic fracturing, a process that releases oil and natural gas from the earth.

The group United Taxpayers of America says 17 retired employees of Duluth and St. Louis County are bringing in pensions of more than $100,000 a year. The watchdog group argues that defined-benefit pensions should be replaced by contributions to accounts such as 401 (k)s. Union officials point out, though, that the vast majority of public retirees have much smaller pensions than the relatively few cases highlighted by the group.