Yes or No on I-186: 20 years after cyanide ban, will voters approve another measure strengthening mining regulations?

Under I-186, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality would be forced to deny a permit for a new hard rock mine if the company’s cleanup plan requires "perpetual treatment of water polluted by acid mine drainage or other contaminants." It asks companies to "provide clear and convincing evidence" that their mine site won’t need to be cared for forever.

It’s meant to impact only new mines. Existing operations would be allowed to continue under the old regulations. The ballot language does say that some of its terms will need further definition by either the Montana Legislature or DEQ.

By Michael Wright Chronicle Staff Writer

https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/environment/yes-or-no-on-i–years-after-cyanide-ban/article_390dec0d-5025-51ef-b58e-22f3fa16183e.html