Eagle Mine to Produce Ore Soon

The Eagle Mine in Marquette County remains on track to begin producing ore by the end of the year. In its second quarter results statement issued yesterday, Lundin Mining says there are 500 people working at the site, including its own employees and those of contractors. Surface construction at the Eagle site is complete, and nearly a mile of tunnels have been dug. Work at the Humboldt Mill processing facility is nearly done. Lundin says it has invested more than 600-million dollars in the project, including the purchase price from the Rio Tinto company, which began the development. Lundin also continues exploration work in areas adjacent to the Eagle site. One legal issue is still pending. The Michigan Court of Appeals is considering an action brought by several parties, including the Huron Mountain Club, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. They allege the mine permits were improperly granted. A decision is expected before the end of the year.