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Tuesday, March 06, 2012

DEQ to hold hearing for public comment on Copperwood mining permit March 6

LANSING -- This announcement was posted on the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Web site on March 2, 2012:

The DEQ recently announced its proposed decision to grant a Part 632 Mine permit to Orvana Resources US Corp. to conduct mining operations at the proposed Copperwood Mine in Gogebic County.

The department's proposed decision follows an extensive review by the DEQ, which incorporated public comments and supporting information, to determine whether Orvana's proposal meets the strict standards contained in Michigan's mining laws.

Based on information available, the DEQ has determined that the application appears to meet the requirements for approval under Part 632 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The DEQ is required to make its decision based solely on whether a proposal meets those standards.

The department will host a public hearing March 6 at Gogebic Community College, E4946 Jackson Rd., Ironwood, to accept public comment on the proposed decision. The hearing is scheduled 6 p.m. - 9 p.m CST.

Following the hearing, the DEQ will accept written comments until 5 p.m. on April 3. The DEQ is required to issue a final decision on the mining permit by May 1. The decision date may be extended if the DEQ requires additional information from ORUSC based on questions raised by public comments.

Editor's Note: Questions on this permit application may be directed to Joe Maki, Application Review Team coordinator, 906-346-8563, makij3@michigan.gov or Melanie Humphrey, Application Review Team co-coordinator, 906-346-8566, humphreym@michigan.gov.

Click here for the names of other members of Orvana Minerals Copperwood Mine Project Part 632 Permit Application Review Team for the DEQ.

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