Menominee Tribe Seeks Stricter Federal Oversight In Michigan Mine Fight

"The fate of a mine near headwaters of a sacred river hinges on a wetlands permit; the tribe wants tougher federal standards to apply—not looser state ones."

"In its continued fight against a mine near sacred waters, the Menominee Indians of Wisconsin want stronger federal regulations to apply as officials weigh the final permit for mine approval.

At issue is the Back Forty mine, a proposed 83-acre open pit gold, zinc and copper mine in the southwestern corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The mine would sit within 150 feet of the Menominee River, which forms the Michigan-Wisconsin border—and is namesake for the Menominee Tribe across the border in Wisconsin.

Environmental Health News highlighted the Menominee’s fight last year in "Sacred Water," a national look at how culturally significant water resources—both on and off reservation—get sullied, destroyed, defaced by activities often happening beyond Native Americans' control.

The mine was on track for approval but has been stagnant, as it still needs one permit—a wetlands permit—before beginning operation. The state of Michigan has controlled permitting to this point."

Brian Bienkowski reports for Environmental Health News August 25, 2017.