mining

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.

Open pit mine operation for gold, silver and antimony is located outside Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

The Montana Supreme Court has ruled against an injunction that stopped a gravel pit near Clearwater Junction, saying the neighbors challenging the pit used the wrong law.

The Upper Tenmile Creek area is a historic mining district, surrounding the community of Rimini. It was added to the federal Superfund list in 1999 because of ongoing contamination.

After six months and five hearings, the Missoula Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the expansion of a gravel pit in an area zoned only for residential development between Lolo and Florence.

Tanya Gates writes, "I urge all who value the Smith River and its surrounding hunting grounds to join me in calling on the Forest Service to protect our public lands."

Liz Heaney writes, "Who will stand up for the elk now that their migration corridor is compromised? Who will stand with Bitterroot residents?"

Water rights, state law and other water-related issues took center stage in a hearing Thursday over whether Missoula County should grant a variance to allow a gravel pit south of Lolo room to expand in the years ahead.

The Biden administration is releasing $725 million for 22 states and the Navajo Nation to clean up abandoned mines and reduce related pollution.