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Proposed Tintina Copper Mine Permit Application Complete

State can begin work on environmental impact statement for mine near White Sulphur Springs

By Tristan Scott

HELENA — After three requests for more information, state environmental regulators say Tintina Montana has submitted a complete application for its proposed underground copper mine near White Sulphur Springs.

The Department of Environmental Quality can now begin work on an environmental impact statement for the Black Butte Copper Project. During the yearlong process, the state will analyze the potential environmental consequences of the project in the Smith River watershed.

Tintina CEO John Shanahan tells the Independent Record the project meets and exceeds all state rules and regulations. Tintina first applied for the permit in late 2015.

Proponents say if the project uses modern mining techniques it can safely bring jobs to the area.

Opponents are concerned about potential pollution and whether the mine will pull water from a tributary of the Smith River, which is known for its blue ribbon trout fishery.