Another Round in Court for Kennecott Eagle Mine

Environmental groups are going to court again to prevent a controversial nickel and copper mine from being built in Marquette County.

The Associated Press says the National Wildlife Federation and 3 other groups have filed a petition downstate in Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

It asks for a review of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s decision to give Kennecott Eagle Minerals state permits to build and operate the mine.

Kennecott got that permission in January.

Kennecott is legally required to prove its operations wouldn’t harm the environment.

The petition says state officials didn’t enforce that requirement.

DNRE officials say Kennecott’s application met Michigan’s strict mining laws.

The company says the mine will be built and operated safely and will boost the local economy.