Judge allows permits for Kennecott mine

By John Flesher AP Environmental Writer TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- A judge has upheld state regulators' decision to let Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. build a nickel and copper mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Circuit Judge Paula Manderfield of Ingham County last Wednesday sided against the National Wildlife Federation and other opponents of the mine being constructed in northwestern Marquette County. She ruled the Department of Environmental Quality acted lawfully when it issued permits allowing the company to build and operate the mine and discharge treated wastewater. An attorney for the wildlife federation says the group hasn't decided whether to appeal. Kennecott Eagle is targeting an underground ore deposit that is expected to yield up to 300 million pounds of nickel and about 200 million pounds of copper, plus smaller amounts of other metals. The company began underground blasting in September. Published: Mon, Nov 28, 2011