 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued permits for a planned copper nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The DNR said Thursday it has issued permits to polymet mining for the company's proposed North Met project. The project still requires permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Environmentalists contend the mine could pollute pristine waters. No project in the history of the DNR has been more thoroughly evaluated. The permit conditions are designed so that we can have confidence that the project can be built, operated, and reclaimed in compliance with Minnesota's rigorous environmental standards, which are designed to protect human health and the environment. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.