Montanore Mine permitted by federal officials, but battle to protect wilderness continues

In Lincoln and Sanders counties, a rural region of Montana that frequently tops the state’s list of highest unemployment rates after the collapse of the timber industry, many residents welcome the possibility for more good-paying jobs.

Last month, the Montanore mine project cleared a major hurdle that sets up the mine to prepare an operating plan and secure financing for construction. At the same time, opponents of the project also gained another opportunity to fight, or at least delay, its launch.

After 11 years of legal battles with environmental groups over regulatory requirements, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued its final record of decision last month to permit the project. But the Montana Department of Environmental Quality did not match the lead federal agency’s decision.

Jayme Fraser [email protected]

Full Story: http://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/montanore-mine-permitted-by-federal-officials-but-battle-to-protect/article_2f49ff17-0b2f-5203-aee9-d2ac69127003.html