The Wisconsin Assembly approved a bill Thursday to streamline mining regulations, voting 58 to 39. It now advances to Gov. Scott Walker to be signed into law.

Last week, the Wisconsin Mining Bill narrowly passed the State Senate in a 17 to 16 vote.

The approval of the bill will set the wheels in motion for a proposed Iron Ore Mine in the Penokee Range near Mellen.

People who oppose the measure say the new regulations could result in harm to the environment, more specifically water resources. Supporters said a mine will bring much needed jobs to Northwest Wisconsin which will create a ripple effect throughout the state.

Ashland Mayor Bill Whalen says even thought the bill passed, Native American bands will continue to fight it.

"I can see this going on for many years really... It may be five or six years before...it depends on how long the attorneys can keep it tied up in court because they are definitely going to challenge it, there is no doubt about that," he said.

Tribal officials opposed the mine, saying it will contaminate the water basin.

Walker has been pushing for the bill's approval, calling it the "Mining for Jobs" bill. He said the state will benefit from the thousands of jobs this mine will create during the next few years.

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