U.P. Limestone Mine Approved By DNR

Department of Natural Resources officials on Thursday approved plans to develop a limestone mine on state land in the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Under the deal, the state will sell about 1,781 acres of land and 7,026 acres of mineral rights in northern Mackinac County to Graymont Incorporated. Graymont will acquire an additional 830 acres of state-owned land through land swaps.

The DNR says the total value of land rights in the transaction, including land value, timber and non-limestone and dolomite mineral rights, is more than $4.5 million.

Graymont has also pledged to create a regional economic development fund that will provide $100,000 a year for five years starting this year.

Environmental groups had urged the DNR not to proceed with the sale.