Rio Tinto Given Go-Ahead for Controversial Michigan Nickel-Copper Mine

SUGAR LAND--January 19, 2010--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--After seven years of delays, Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company (Ishpeming, Michigan), a subsidiary of Rio Tinto (NYSE:RTP) (London, England), last week received the green light to begin construction of a grassroot nickel and copper mine near Michigamme, on Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.). Concerns about the environmental impact of the mine, as well as disturbance to Eagle Rock, a site considered sacred by the local Anishnabe people, were at the heart of the delays. In addition to the construction of the mine, Kennecott is also planning to refurbish a former iron ore mill in nearby Humboldt (about 12 miles away) to support the activities of the new mine.