BROOKLYN CENTER — The head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said he expects to decide in mid- to late February whether to sign off on the environmental review for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine.

Supporters and opponents of the proposed mine have been waiting to see if Commissioner Tom Landwehr will deem the final environmental impact statement for the project to be adequate.

Landwehr on Friday narrowed down the timeframe for his decision. He told The Associated Press he expects to make it in mid- to late February.

If he certifies the 3,500-page document as adequate, PolyMet could soon start applying for permits.