A company hoping to operate a nickel and copper mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula already is looking for other possible mining sites in the area.

Kennecott Minerals Co. is conducting an aerial survey of western Marquette County. A plane is flying a grid north and south of U.S. highway 41 almost every day, surveying an area of about 100 square miles.

Kennecott spokesman Jon Cherry tells WLUC-TV the company is measuring magnetic differences in the Earth’s crusts. The process will provide information about the best places for exploratory drilling.

The aerial survey is expected to last several weeks.

Kennecott still is waiting for clearance from state and federal agencies to begin construction of a mine near Big Bay.