ELY — Hundreds of people packed a high school gym in Ely over the contentious issue of copper nickel mining in northeast Minnesota.

Today is the last day for the public to comment on whether two mining leases near the Boundary Waters should be renewed. Twin Metals Minnesota is considering whether to build a nearly $3 billion copper nickel mine at the doorstep of the pristine recreational wilderness area. The public is divided on whether a mine would impact the area positively or negatively.

The U.S. Forest Service will decide whether to renew two federal mineral leases near Ely. Twin Metals said those leases are the foundation of its project, should it decide to go ahead.

According to a press release, the meeting Tuesday night, which drew an estimated 900 people, followed a similar listening session in Duluth last week.