New copper-nickel mining proposed on Minnesota's Iron Range wasn't a headliner issue in the recent governor's race. But it should become a key agenda item for either Democrat Mark Dayton or Republican Tom Emmer, who are awaiting recount results and laying plans to take over as the state's next CEO.

Two of the new governor's most important decisions will be made early in his term -- deciding who will run the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Pollution Control Agency (PCA). The political appointees serving as these agencies' commissioners will play critical roles in shepherding in a new mining era in Minnesota, one that extracts copper and precious metals instead of iron ore. Called nonferrous mining, the industry has breathtaking potential to help revitalize the state economy, but it brings with it sobering environmental risks.

These two new commissioners will shoulder the serious responsibility of making sure the state does this right -- that it manages economic development needs while ensuring the region's streams and lakes are protected from harm for decades, even centuries to come. Acid runoff from processed and exposed rock is one of the most serious environmental risks.

The world's largest mining firms understandably want to mine the Minnesota Arrowhead. The region is home to some of richest global deposits of copper and other metals that are essential ingredients in cell phones, other electronics and green-energy technology. One firm, Polymet Mining Corp., is deep into the environmental review process and could become operational in 2013, if it gets a permit. The Star Tribune reported on Tuesday that a privately held Swiss mining giant had acquired a stake in the firm. About six other projects are in the exploration stage, including one near Ely pursued by a large Chilean mining conglomerate.

The DNR and the PCA are the two lead state agencies when it comes to the lengthy environmental review and permitting process these operations must go through. The DNR ultimately issues the state mining permit. This is a highly complex scientific issue and a volatile one, with long-simmering tensions between pro-jobs forces and environmental advocates.

The new DNR and PCA heads must bring to the jobs far more than the usual political connections. An unusual mix of scientific and political savvy is needed to ensure the integrity of the agencies' processes and to deal fairly with industry and environmental advocates. These commissioners also need to help lead the state's efforts to ensure that the mining firms deliver on their economic development promises.

The scrutiny these commissioners will face will only get more intense as the projects begin the long permit-seeking process. Minnesotans are already asking tough questions. That was clear Monday night at a League of Women Voters forum in Woodbury. The crowd of about 40 people nodded their heads in agreement at the new mines' economic potential, but also probed intensely about paying for any long-term cleanup costs. Jean Rozinka, a 68-year-old Iron Range native now living in the Twin Cities, organized the forum to make sure "we're doing our due diligence" when it comes to mining and protecting the environment. Taking extra care with these two commissioner picks is one of the best measures the next governor can take to ensure that this happens.