EVELETH — Gov. Mark Dayton plans to meet with officials on the Iron Range on Friday, just weeks after he dealt a blow to a proposed copper-nickel-precious metals mine near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

According to the Mesabi Daily News , Dayton will meet in Eveleth with Ely Mayor Chuck Novak, the city council, and with the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools.

Earlier this month, Dayton said the state wouldn’t authorize access to its lands for the proposed $2.8 billion Twin Metals Minnesota southeast of Ely, citing its proximity to the Boundary Waters in his decision. Dayton also said he had contacted the Bureau of Land Management about federal lease holdings of Twin Metals Minnesota and urged that those leases not be renewed.

Environmental groups praised the move, but officials on the range were critical. The Ely City Council, Ely Development Authority and the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools have passed resolutions opposing the governor’s decision.

Ely Mayor Chuck Novak said he and city council members will make a direct appeal to Dayton to allow the Twin Metals to continue its preliminary work on the project.

“It is unknown at this time whether we will be able to change the governor’s mind but I hope to make a strong case for him to do so,” Novak said.