(Graphic courtesy of Highland Copper Company)

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has approved Highland Copper Company’s updated air permit, according to a Thursday release from InvestUP.

A statement Tuesday from Highland Copper Company, owner of Copperwood, said the revised permit allows the project to integrate on-site power generation to supplement the primary electrical supply while meeting rigorous environmental standards.

Highland said that as part of the state and federal permitting process, EGLE held a public comment period that concluded on December 10, 2024, and conducted a virtual public hearing on October 30, 2024. Following a thorough review and careful consideration of all comments submitted, EGLE’s Air Quality Division (AQD) formally approved the application on February 27, 2025.

“The issuance of this permit underscores that Copperwood has been designed to meet rigorous environmental standards and operate responsibly within the community,” Highland CEO Barry O’Shay is quoted as saying.“We appreciate the continued support from state authorities and the local community, whose engagement has been instrumental throughout this process.”

Highland stated that the approval follows a public review process that demonstrates the project’s adherence to state regulations and community input. As Highland Copper continues advancing Copperwood, the statement says, the project remains focused on aligning with community expectations and meeting the highest environmental benchmarks to support long-term economic impact.

The approval, says the InvestUP release, reflects the Copperwood Project’s commitment to responsible operations and efficient energy management.

Copperwood, a proposed copper sulfide mine situated near the shore of Lake Superior and the western boundary of the Porcupine Mountains State Park, in Gogebic County’s Wakefield Township, has gathered significant opposition over the past year due to the project’s potential for serious environmental consequences and harm to outdoor recreation, as well as the negative economic impacts of mineral mining.

But while a group called Protect the Porkies opposes the project and has a page on its website “Out-of-State Residents Encouraged to Participate in All Steps,” encouraging opponents to resist the project with the heading.

Last month, InvestUP published a release stating 21 units of government, ranging from townships to county boards, have issued resolutions of support, nearly ten local institutions have submitted letters of support and dozens of community leaders and elected officials have spoken publicly in support.

The board members for Ironwood, Wakefield, and Erwin townships, along with the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners and the Gogebic County Road Commission, have again unanimously approved resolutions of support of the project. The project is expected to create more than 700 direct and indirect jobs.

According to the minutes of the regular Feb. meeting of the County Board, Mike Foley, with Highland Copper, gave a presentation on the progress of the Copperwood Mine Project, after which a motion was made by Commissioner Michael Yon and supported by Joseph Cayer to again adopt the resolution of support for the project by Highland Copper and the Michigan Development Corporation grant.