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Appeals court to hear arguments against Rio Tinto mine

LANSING, MI--   The Michigan Court of Appeals has agreed to hear arguments against the state's decision to grant permits for a nickel and copper mine in the Upper Peninsula.

The court decided this week to consider an appeal by groups opposing the mine, including the National Wildlife Federation and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

They contend the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality should not have granted permits for the Rio Tinto Eagle Mine, formerly known as the Kennecott Eagle mine. It's under construction in Marquette County.

Opponents say the mine could pollute ground and surface waters, including a river that flows into Lake Superior.

A mining company spokeswoman says those issues have already been considered by the DEQ and lower courts.

No date has been set for arguments before the appeals court.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.