LANSING -- The Department of Environmental Quality announced Friday that it has approved three permits that would enable Kennecott Minerals to build a nickel and copper mine on the Yellow Dog Plains of Marquette County. The permits dealt with air, water and mining.

The permit process is still not complete. The Department of Natural Resources also has to approve two other permits for the proposed mine before Kennecott can move forward. The DNR will make its announcement next month.

The proposed mine has been vehemently opposed by environmental groups who claim the mine might jeopardize the pristine area. The nickel and copper would be extracted by the controversial sulfide mining process, and critics say sulfuric acid could leak into the water.

Kennecott insists it is taking all measures to ensure safety of the environment, and points to the approximately 100 jobs that the mine would offer to local workers.

Robert McCann of the DEQ told TV6 that Kennecott's applications for permits met all the legal standards required. He did say that the agency is requiring some changes in the permits to provide extra safeguards in the stability of the mine's pillars.

To read the full permits approved and other facts about the decision, visit the DEQ's website.