MARQUETTE COUNTY (AP) -- A federal judge has postponed a decision on whether to halt construction of a nickel and copper mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
A lawsuit by the private Huron Mountain Club contends Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. didn't get needed federal permits to build the Marquette County 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.
U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell in Grand Rapids heard arguments Wednesday on the club's request for an injunction to halting mine work until the case is decided. Bell says he'll consider the matter and rule later.
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