INGHAM COUNTY -- The Rio Tinto Kennecott Eagle Mine project took another step forward Wednesday.

Circuit Judge Paula Manderfield of Ingham County ruled against the National Wildlife Federation and other opponents of the Eagle Mine being constructed in northwestern Marquette County.

She ruled that the permits issued by Department of Environmental Quality allowing the Kennecott Eagle Minerals company to build and operate the mine and discharge treated wastewater were lawful.
    
The wildlife federation says the group hasn't decidede on its next move.
     
The Eagle project is targeting an underground ore deposit that is expected to yield up to 300 million pounds of nickel and about 200 million pounds of copper, plus smaller amounts of other metals.
     
The company began underground blasting in September.