Kennecott Mine Gets Final State Approval
State regulators give the proposed Kennecott Eagle Mine in Marquette County final approval.
The DEQ says it’s determined the project meets the requirements of Michigan’s mining laws.
The mine would be built in Michigamme in the Yellow Dog Plains area.
Mine opponents have said the project could pollute groundwater and streams.
Officials with Rio Tinto, Kennecott’s parent company, have said they’ll protect the local environment while creating jobs.
The DEQ gave tentative approval 3 years ago, and after a lengthy appeal, a downstate judge upheld the approval 5 months ago.
The project still needs a federal permit from the EPA.
We’ll have more about this tomorrow night on UGN News.