"Michigan Judge Nullifies Crucial Permit For Mining Project"

"TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A Michigan judge has overruled state regulators who approved a key permit for a proposed open-pit mine in the Upper Peninsula, another delay for a project that has been debated for nearly two decades.

Administrative Law Judge Daniel Pulter invalidated a wetlands permit granted in 2018 to Aquila Resources Inc. The Toronto-based company’s Back Forty mine primarily would target gold and zinc in an underground sulfide deposit, as well as smaller volumes of copper, silver and lead.

In another twist, the state agency that sided with Aquila two years ago said Tuesday that it agreed with the judge’s ruling."

John Flesher reports for the Associated Press January 4, 2021.