The Company is awaiting issuance by EGLE of its amended Mining Permit and Air Permit
Image: Back Forty Project is an open pit volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit with underground potential located along the mineral‐rich Penokean Volcanic Belt in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Photo: courtesy of Alex Banner/Pixabay.
Aquila Resources Inc. (TSX: AQA,OTCQB: AQARF) (“Aquila” or the “Company”) announced that the environmental review panel (“Panel”) for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (“EGLE”) has upheld the Final Decision and Order previously made by an Administrative Law Judge (“Judge”) in support of the Michigan Nonferrous Metallic Mineral Mining Permit (“Mining Permit”) for its Back Forty Project in Michigan. By way of background, following the Judge’s ruling in May 2019, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin appealed the decision to the Panel, which is made up of technical experts from various fields. The Panel’s decision marks the final step in the contested case challenge to the Mining Permit that began in April 2018 and represents EGLE’s final decision.
In its unanimous decision, the three-person Panel adopted the Judge’s May 3, 2019 decision, which found “that the proposed mining operation will not pollute, impair, or destroy the air, water and other natural resources, or the public trust in those resources,” in compliance with Michigan’s Nonferrous Metallic Mining Statute.
Barry Hildred, President & CEO of Aquila, commented, “We are pleased that the Panel ruled in our favor and adopted the Judge’s comprehensive decision that followed an exhaustive review process and lengthy contested case hearing. Michigan’s environmental standards for mining are among the strictest in the world, and we look forward to continuing to demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable resource development that benefits all stakeholders. The Back Forty Mine will be a safe, disciplined operation that promotes and supports local community socio-economic development and is protective of the environment.”
The Company is awaiting issuance by EGLE of its amended Mining Permit and Air Permit. Testimony related to the Wetlands Permit contested case was completed on October 25, 2019.
Source: Company Press Release