Judge refuses to block work on mine

RENO -- A federal judge ruled Monday a gold mine project could proceed in northeast Nevada despite a bid by a tribe and conservationists to block it on religious and environmental grounds.

U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks ruled insufficient evidence exists to force Barrick Gold Corp. to postpone digging a 2,000-foot deep pit at the Cortez Hills mine on Mount Tenabo until a trial is held.

The Great Basin Resource Watch and the Western Shoshone alleged the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's review of the plan ignores some of the environmental effects and concerns it will destroy a sacred landmark.