When Rio Tinto started staking out its Eagle Mine in northern Marquette County, many people thought it was the start of another mining boom in the Upper Peninsula.

It appears that might be the case, too, with current Eagle Mine owner Lundin Mining Corp. announcing this week that it has found another probable body of rich ore nearby.

This recently discovered ore body about 1.2 miles east of the Eagle Mine – and dubbed Eagle East – is believed to contain “massive” and semi-massive” sulfide mineralization.

According to Lundin, massive sulfide has the highest concentrations of nickel and copper, which are the main targeted metals the company is after. The ore body is also believed to contain lesser amounts of platinum, palladium, gold and silver.

The company’s search and evaluation of the operating Eagle Mine is proving to be fruitful, as early production there has out-paced expectations. We won’t be surprised if the new discovery will also be profitable.

We also won’t be surprised by the expected quick response to this week’s announcement by Lundin from individuals and groups that are opposed to mining in the U.P.

Lundin is most certainly expecting the response, as well, which is really just a part of the whole process of siting a mine.

First there is the exploration, then the discovery and then the long effort to gain all the necessary permits to operate a mine.

Having watchdog groups be involved in the permitting process – through both public comment avenues and challenges to permitting decisions – helps ensure the mine is created in the most environmentally safe and sound manner.

If Lundin decides the new find is worthy of digging into the ground, we expect that same rigorous permitting process – including all the thorough checks and balances – will again be followed.