It looks like construction will soon start for the underground portion of the planned Eagle mine in Marquette County, as a final court decision was made downstate.
Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company is the owner and developer of the mine, and was given the go-ahead to begin construction on the underground entryway to the mine near Big Bay. The company has already built aboveground facilities at the site since 2010, and also has remodeled an old mining facility in Humboldt Township, in preparation for the start of mining.
The underground development of the mine was on hold while the Ingham Circuit Court downstate reviewed the mine permitting process, from 2007 when the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality first issued permits to Kennecott, through 2010 when an internal review affirmed those permits. Concerns have been raised by local residents about environmental impacts and the first location of the entrance, which was close to Eagle Rock, a natural rock outcropping on the mine site that has historical and religious significance to the
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
The entrance to be constructed now was moved to a different location, says Kennecott president Adam Burley.
"While we are pleased that the ruling enables us to continue forward with productive progress and associated job creation, we remain sensitive to the concerns of others and will continue to seek opportunities for conversation," Burley says. "In particular, we remain committed to establishing a constructive relationship with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, aimed at strengthening our understanding of the tribe's interests and working to resolve issues that benefit all."
After the entrance is built, Kennecott will next start on an underground tunnel to access the mineral deposits in the area, and plans to begin production of nickel and copper in 2013.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Adam Burley, Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company
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