In 2022, Eagle Mine was used to set a Guinness World Record for the greatest altitude change achieved by an electric vehicle.

The permit was initially approved in January 2007, however it was found that the DEQ failed to release documents relating to the crown pillar of the mine.

DEQ Director Steven Chester said: "In the end, Kennecott's proposal met the high standard set by Michigan's environmental laws.

Kennecott also submitted an application for an Underground Injection Control permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its proposed disposal system for treated wastewater.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community sued to prevent construction of Eagle Mine over concerns about the potential for groundwater contamination.

In 2014, a three-judge panel on the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that state regulators were within their rights to permit the construction of a nickel and copper mine.