BOZEMAN — Two mining exploration proposals north of Yellowstone National Park have environmentalists pushing for tougher scrutiny from state and federal officials.
The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports the Custer Gallatin National Forest and Montana Department of Environmental Quality are each performing low-level reviews of applications from British Columbia-based Lucky Minerals Inc. to search for gold on federal and private land.
People can comment on the proposal with the Forest Service until July 15.
An ADQ official said the agency’s review should be finalized in the coming weeks, but that significant interest could prompt the agency to allow a public comment period.
Environmental groups want to promote awareness so people can provide input and potentially block the proposals.
The groups worry an open pit mine could be in the company’s future plans, but Vice President Shaun Dykes says that’s unlikely.