LIBBY, Mont. — Owners of a northwestern Montana mine say they are one step closer to operating after the U.S. Forest Service found the project would not violate environmental laws or regulations.
Deputy Regional Forester David Schmid completed his review of public objections to the Montanore Mine project July 22, The Western News reported.
Spokane-based Mines Management has been working to permit the mine since 2005.
Schmid’s objection response letter will now make way for the Record of Decision, which would allow owner Mines Management Inc. to begin the exploration phase of the mine’s development.
Schmid said he is asking the Kootenai National Forest to clarify the methods and data used to reach the conclusions in the final Environmental Impact Statement to better demonstrate that the project complies with laws, regulations or policies.