UPPER PENINSULA -- The fight continues against a planned new nickel and copper mine in the Yellow Dog Plains.

The National Wildlife Federation, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Huron Mountain Club and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve are suing to block the project.

The State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) said this month it was granting permits sought by Kennecott Minerals to operate the mine in Northern Marquette County.

A State Administrative Rules Judge will hear the lawsuit, which was filed in Ingham County, and hear the petition.