HELENA — The state Supreme Court has rejected an environmental group’s challenge to the reclamation plan for the proposed expansion of an open pit gold mine near Whitehall.
The Montana Environmental Information Center sued in April 2014, arguing the expansion permit did not require Golden Sunlight to completely backfill the area after mining ends. The complaint argued the state constitution guarantees a “clean and healthful environment” and state law requires lands disturbed by mining to be fully reclaimed.
The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the MEIC’s arguments had already been litigated and rejected in another case involving Golden Sunlight.
The justices also found that state regulators had adequate reasons to keep part of the pit unfilled to allow access to a sump pump meant to help prevent groundwater contamination.