A former copper mine, just south of Ladysmith in Rusk County, has been returned to its natural state.

The Flambeau Mining Company says that it has reached a regulatory agreement and will continue to monitor environmental indicators, such as surface water near the Flambeau River.

There was controversy concerning solutions as the Department of Natural Resources, Sierra Club and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Chippewa raised their own concerns.

Flambeau Mining opened in 1993 and hauled out ore that consisted of copper, gold and silver through 1997. The company says the mine will now become a recreational asset to the area.