 A bill containing a provision from Senator Tina Smith to complete a land exchange between PolyMint Mining Corps and the federal government has cleared the Senate. The Minnesota Democrats' amendment is part of a big defense bill that passed 85-10 Monday. PolyMint needs the land for its planned copper nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The company would get 6,650 acres of the Superior National Forest in return for about the same amount of private land. The Senate bill still has to be reconciled in a conference committee with the House version. If President Donald Trump signs the bill, it will bypass four pending lawsuits by environmental groups that oppose the swap. The land exchange is due to close June 28th. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.