MARQUETTE, MI (AP)-- A company operating a nickel and copper mine in Marquette County wants to lease an additional 40 acres of state land to explore additional mining opportunities.
Eagle Mine's request to the Department of Natural Resources targets a parcel about two miles west of the existing mine.
Spokesman Matt Johnson says the company needs further exploration to understand the Eagle ore body and nearby geology.
Environmental coalition Save the Wild U.P. says the parcel is part of a sensitive wetlands complex forming the headwaters of the Yellow Dog River. The group wants the DNR to reject the lease.
A 30-day period for sending comments to the agency ends August 26.
Eagle is owned by Lundin Mining Corporation of Toronto.