Final Environmental Impact Statement For Montanore Project

LIBBY, MT - The Kootenai National Forest (KNF) has issued its Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Errata, and Draft Record of Decision (ROD) for the Montanore Project, a proposed copper and silver underground mine located on the KNF Libby Ranger District, about 18 miles south of Libby near the Cabinet Mountains of northwestern Montana. Montanore Minerals Corp. (MMC), a subsidiary of Mines Management, Inc. (MMI), is the project proponent. The proposed operation would initially mine and process 12,500 tons of ore per day, with a full production rate of 20,000 tons of ore per day. Approximately 1,500 acres of mainly National Forest System lands would be disturbed by facilities for the proposed project.

The first phase of the project would be the evaluation phase, which is an 18-to 24-month underground expansion of the existing Libby Adit to evaluate the orebody and hydrogeologic conditions underground. The evaluation phase would be followed by construction, operations, and reclamation phases of the project. At full production levels, it is estimated that the project would require up to 450 employees. At predicted production levels, a 16 year mine life is anticipated.

The KNF and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a joint Draft EIS for the Montanore Project in February 2009 and Supplemental Draft EIS in September 2011 for public comment. In response to public comment, the agencies revised the agencies mine alternatives (Alternatives 3 and 4) and transmission line alignments (Alternatives C-R, D-R, and E-R). The agencies  proposed monitoring plans (Appendix C) also were revised. In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the Final Biological Opinions (BO) on the effects to Grizzly Bears and effects to Bull Trout and Bull Trout critical habitat. BO mitigation plans and Terms and Conditions have been included in the Draft ROD.

The KNF will use the analysis in the Final EIS to determine whether to issue approvals necessary for construction and operation of the Montanore Project. The KNF's preferred mine alternative is Alternative 3, Agency Mitigated Poorman Impoundment Alternative, and preferred transmission line alternative is Alternative D-R, Miller Creek Transmission Line Alternative. The rationale for selecting these alternatives and approving an amended Plan of Operations for the Montanore Project is included in the Draft ROD.

The Montana DEQ, the co-lead agency for the project, has not issued its Final EIS at this time. After the conclusion of the Forest Service objection process, the KNF and DEQ will issue a joint Final EIS. The KNF and the DEQ will each issue a ROD documenting each agency’s decision for the project. In addition to the co-lead agencies, several other agencies will use the joint Final EIS to make decisions, which will be documented in separate decision documents. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will use the information to determine whether to issue a 404 permit necessary for construction of certain project facilities in waters of the U.S. The Bonneville Power Administration will use the information to decide whether to build a new substation and loop line, and to provide power to its customer, Flathead Electric Cooperative. Flathead Electric Cooperative would be the retail supplier of power to the mine.