Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Your guide the 2024 Montana elections

Mine Exploration Near Yellowstone Won't Harm Environment, Says Montana DEQ

Emigrant Peak north of Yellowstone, near the area of a proposed Lucky Minerals mine exploration.
Flickr user Sean Wolf (CC-BY-NC-ND-2.0)
Emigrant Peak, near the area of a proposed Lucky Minerals mine exploration.

State officials say a Canadian company’s proposal to explore for gold and other precious metals near Yellowstone National Park will have no significant environmental impact. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality today released its draft environmental assessment of Lucky Minerals’ plan.

DEQ spokeswoman Kristi Ponozzo says the state based its draft EA on several factors:

"We looked at water quality, geothermal impacts, noise impacts, land use, recreation and cultural impacts. We looked at all of those," Ponozzo says.

Lucky Minerals wants to take core samples from up to 46 drill holes on private land about 12 miles southeast of Emigrant. The company wants to assess the area’s copper, gold, silver and molybdenum deposits.

DEQ says it now wants to hear from the public. The agency is accepting public comment on the proposed exploration license through December 12.

Some environmental groups and local businesses oppose the project. They say the work and a possible future mine threatens the environment and local economy.

Lucky Minerals says the work can be done responsibly and safely.

Edward O’Brien first landed at Montana Public Radio three decades ago as a news intern while attending the UM School of Journalism. He covers a wide range of stories from around the state.
edward.obrien@umt.edu.  
(406) 243-4065
Explore the places where we come together and fall apart. The Wide Open brings nuanced reporting on under-covered environmental issues. Our deep storytelling provides context to the forces shaping our lives — with plenty of adventure, wildlife and rich sound along the way.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information