mining

In a 5-2 decision, justices found the state complied with the Montana Water Use Act when it issued a permit for the Black Butte copper mine.

Law establishes pilot program in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to permit the decontamination of 15 low-risk, abandoned mines established before 1980.

The Montana Land Board approved some additional language for the deed of the Great Montana Outdoors Conservation Easement that would emphasize that the easement wouldn’t stop exploration of the land’s mineral rights.

The federal government is now facing a lawsuit challenging its approval of the first domestic lithium project authorized under the Biden Administration.

A federal judge extended a temporary pause of exploratory drilling as part of a lithium mining project near the Hualapai Tribe’s sacred site after the court found that irreparable harm from drilling is likely.

After a period of inactivity, a Cabinet Mountain mine is once again applying for permits, the first being a wastewater discharge permit from the state of Montana.

Citing internal Bureau of Land Management emails, the groups say the environmental review process for the mine was on a very aggressive schedule that deviated from that of similar projects.

The state land board approved a large conservation easement on timberland in northwest Montana with the condition that language be added to ensure mining could occur, should any minerals be found.

Massive changes are on the horizon for Nevada’s least populated county, and the endangered wildflower that grows within its boundaries, after federal land managers released an industry-friendly environmental review for a proposed open-pit lithium mine.

Jennifer Ferenstein writes, "Having floated and fished the Smith River several times with my family, I know that it is a special place deserving of our careful stewardship.