Deadline for Comments on Yellow Dog River

There’s still time for the public to voice concerns about the leasing of state-owned property near the Yellow Dog River in Marquette County for exclusive mining rights. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is taking public comment until December 1 on the proposal by Eagle Mine LLC for a metallic mineral lease on 40 acres in Michigamme Township, northwest of Marquette. Karen Maidlow, DNR minerals management property analyst, told MLive the lease would give the mine owners rights to explore and develop the new property for 10 years. But “Save The Wild U.P.”, an area environmental group, says the land in question is only one hundred feet from the Yellow Dog River’s floodplain and argues mining could damage the river which is a federally-recognized National Wild and Scenic River with a status of ‘excellent’ water quality. The mine, which was scheduled to begin operating this fall, is estimated to yield approximately 23,000 metric tons of nickel and 22,000 tons of copper during its first few years. The mine will also produce precious metals and cobalt. Interested parties can send their comments to the Michigan DNR.