GRAND RAPIDS, MI (AP)-- A federal judge has postponed a decision on whether to halt construction of a nickel and copper mine in Marquette County.
A lawsuit by the Huron Mountain Club contends Kennecott Eagle Minerals didn't get needed federal permits to build the mine. The suit also faults the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies for failing to require the permits.
Kennecott got state approval for the project and says federal permits are unnecessary. The company has begun drilling and plans to start extracting minerals next year.
Grand Rapids U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell heard arguments Wednesday on the club's request for an injunction to halt mine work until the case is decided. Bell says he'll consider the matter and rule later.
