Michigan Judge Denies Permit For Back Forty Mine On The Banks Of The Menominee River

Michigan environmental regulators` decision to grant a controversial wetlands permit for an open-pit mine on the banks of the Menominee River was revoked in a final decision Monday by a Michigan judge.

The ruling is a win for the Menominee Indian Tribe and opponents of the Back Forty mine proposed by Toronto-based Aquila Resources. The company wants to mine primarily gold and zinc from a 750-foot deep open pit that would come within 150 feet of the Menominee River.

The Menominee tribe and the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River challenged the permit issued by the state two years ago and petitioned for a contested case hearing...