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Saturday, January 05, 2008

Public comments needed on DNR Land Use Lease for sulfide mine

MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will discuss the "Metallic Mineral Mining Operations Surface Use Lease" from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Kennecott's proposed sulfide mine at the next NRC meeting on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, in Lansing.

Kennecott wants to lease 120 acres of public land for 35 years from the State of Michigan to use for most of the surface facilities associated with their proposed mine.

Although the comment period has ended for the mining permit, concerned citizens can still send letters to members of the NRC, reminding them that all Kennecott permits need to be granted before the surface use is considered. In addition to the DEQ permits outstanding, the EPA has yet to issue an Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit. Moreover, the Mining Safety Health Administration has not yet received a permit application.

Please visit Save the Wild UP for a letter you can edit and sign to be emailed to the Governor and the NRC decision makers before the Jan. 10 meeting.

Click here for a map showing the location of this state land Kennecott plans to lease and close off to the public for 35 years.

Click here to read the Draft Lease.