mining

A Missoula County judge’s ruling could have implications for several gravel pits approved since 2021.

Several mines are now being explored in Montana, including one in the headwaters of the Blackfoot River and another on federal land in the headwaters of the Bitterroot River.

After Montana’s selenium pollution limit in Lake Koocanusa was recently upheld, a coalition of conservation organizations and businesses are asking the Canadian government to limit the pollution at its source: the Elk Valley coal mines.

A coalition of environmental groups is once again suing the U.S. Forest Service for green-lighting an exploratory mine under the Cabinet Mountains.

The Bitterroot National Forest on Monday said that a mining company that owns mineral rights near the West Fork of the Bitterroot River has rescinded its draft plan for exploration of the Sheep Creek Project in order to submit a revised proposal by the end of April.

Fans of the Blackfoot River are concerned about an Australian mining company’s renewed interest in gold deposits in the mountains southeast of Lincoln.

A Bitterroot Valley organization remains at odds with Missoula County over a lawsuit surrounding the approved expansion of a Lolo gravel pit and whether a settlement agreement has been reached through mediation.

Randy Newberg writes, "Congress is considering a fast-track move that could open the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to a massive copper-sulfide mine by overturning a 20-year leasing moratorium."

The U.S. government currently defines about 60 critical minerals that are essential to economic or national security and that have supply chains vulnerable to disruption.

David Ward writes, "There are better ways to strengthen domestic critical mineral supply without risky mines like Sheep Creek."