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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Kennecott Eagle Minerals to hold community forums Apr. 19, 20, 21, 26

MARQUETTE -- Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. (KEMC) will be holding four community forums on the Eagle Mine -- each one from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- on April 19, 20, 21 and 26.

The first of these forums will be held TONIGHT, April 19, at the Humboldt Township Hall, 244 Co. Rd. FAF, Champion, MI 49814.

On their Web site, Kennecott states, "The community has told us they want to know more about our project -- and we have a lot to tell, including updates on the mine, the mill, and transportation. The aim of the community forums is to exchange and share information between Kennecott and community members about the Eagle project.

"Most important, these forums will give the public an opportunity to ask questions or provide feedback on these topics and any other aspects of our operation and possible impacts on the community," the Web site notes.*

Mining expert Jack Parker of Baltic has written to Matt Johnson, KEMC manager of external affairs, asking that the two-hour time limit be extended to allow people to speak as long as they need to.

"Have your experts on hand to answer questions," Parker writes. "We don't expect you to answer them. Maybe you can moderate, but we need mining men to answer mining questions, geologists on geology, water treatment specialists, accountants on money matters, Hal Fitch to explain his unique interpretation of the law -- Part 632 in particular, ore processors to explain what you really intend to do at Humboldt. Explain exactly how you came to select Eagle Rock as the portal site -- and how you are going to wiggle your way from under that red herring."

Parker goes on to refer to his own testimony and writings concerning the instability of the mine, as indicated in the permit application.

"Tell us why you doctored the rock quality data which went into mine design and how you can ignore the implications concerning mine stability and safety," Parker asks. "In case you don't remember any such thing we can put details on the screen. Maybe you can even explain how a group of non-miners can evaluate applications for mining permits without understanding what is involved. These are not legal matters -- just common sense."**

Three more forums will be held as follows:

Wednesday, April 20: Country Village Banquet and Conference Center, 1035 Country Lane, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Thursday, April 21: Powell Township School Gym, 101 Deutsch Avenue, Big Bay, MI 49808.

Tuesday, April 26: Ramada Inn of Marquette, 412 W Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

* If you cannot attend a forum, and would like to submit a question or comment, you can submit it online at http://kennecotteagleminerals.com/community/community-forums.

** Click here to read about Jack Parker's reports on the instability of the Eagle Mine as proposed.

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