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Mining

Kennecott Eagle gets OK to dig for nickel, copper

Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. has received final approval from Michigan to begin construction of an underground nickel mine in the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources authorized a land surface-use agreement and a post-mining reclamation plan with Kennecott on Thursday for its Eagle Mine, which also will produce some copper. The mine is expected to employ hundreds over the next decade in construction and excavation work.

The land-use agreement covers 120 acres of state-owned land where surface facilities will be built to service mine operations and with the portal to the underground deposit. The reclamation plan is designed to return the land to pre-mining conditions.

Kennecott estimates the mine will generate a $50 million royalty for Michigan's Natural Resources Trust Fund, which buys recreational lands for public use.

- Mike Gorrell

Organic lifestyle

Utah company's products judged to be risk-free

For Bubble and Bee Organic, scoring a zero was a good thing.

The Utah-based company was awarded a zero risk score by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group on a number of products, including its organic lip balms, lotions and deodorants. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Web site maintains a database of more than 25,000 cosmetic products.

Bubble and Bee Organic sells through its Web site at http://www.bubbleandbee.com.

- Dawn House

Tourism

TripAdvisor gives high marks to hotel in Springdale

The Desert Pearl Inn in Springdale has been named the "Best Hidden Gem" and "Best Bargain" hotel in the United States by TripAdvisor LLC, a unit of Expedia Inc.

Owned by Robyn PalmerĀ, the 73-room hotel along an entryway to Zion National Park was selected based on the opinions of travelers who use one of a dozen TripAdvisor-related Web sites.

Based on 265 traveler reviews, TripAdvisor said the Desert Pearl Inn best suited older travelers, but also was appealing to families with teenagers or young children and was conducive to "an amazing honeymoon." What it's not: A hangout for young singles.

The average price tag on a room, year-round, is $153.

- Mike Gorrell