July 26, 2012
TRAVERSE CITY – A federal judge has refused to halt construction of a nickel and copper mine in northern Marquette County.
In an order signed Wednesday, Judge Robert Holmes Bell rejected a request by the private Huron Mountain Club to stop work on the mine while the club’s lawsuit works its way to trial.
The exclusive club owns about 19,000 acres of forestland in Marquette County, including an 11-mile stretch of the Salmon Trout River. In May, the club filed a suit claiming the mine would damage the river and nearby wetlands.
The mine’s name recently was changed from Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. to Rio Tinto Eagle Mine.
State regulators and company officials say the mine can be operated safely. Drilling has begun and mineral production is expected to begin in 2014.
Roscoe and Evelyn Churchill were right. They said from the very beginning that the Flambeau Mine would pollute the water over there, and it has.Now we have a chance to do something about it, and WRPC is asking for your help. Please see the attached letter for details and submit your written comments to the Wisconsin DNR by February 20, 2012.