On Dec. 14, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources approved three principal environmental permits that will allow the construction of the Kennecott Eagle nickel and copper mine.

The decision came after a lengthy and somewhat controversial public hearings process, in which over 3,500 public comments were received. Many individuals and groups - most noteably, the Natural Wildlife Federation - expressed concerns about the mine's impact on the natural environment. DEQ officials, however, said plans for the mine met the standards set by Michigan's new and more stringent mining laws, so the permits had to be approved.

Environmental groups are threatening to take the decision to court. The mine is to be located under the headwaters of the Salmon Trout River in northwest Marquette County, not far from Big Bay on the southern Lake Superior coast.

Unless postponed by legal action. construction of an estimated $150 million in support facilities for the mine is currently planned to get underway this year.