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The front lawn of the world famous, locally-owned, Chico Hot Springs Resort. Emigrant Peak rises in background.
(Photo courtesy of William Campbell)
Press Release: Victory December 9, 2020

Montana Supreme Court Rejects Lucky Mineral’s Last Bid to Mine Near Yellowstone

Court further unanimously declares loophole in law favoring mining industry is unconstitutional

Emigrant Peak rises above the Paradise Valley and the Yellowstone River.
(Matthew Brown / AP)
Article December 9, 2020

Montana Supreme Court Deals Final Blow to Mining Plan Near Yellowstone

A giant gold mining project proposal near Yellowstone National Park is officially dead, and Montanans’ right to stop such unlawful projects is upheld, with far-reaching impacts.

document December 8, 2020

DECISION: Montana Supreme Court Rejects Lucky Mineral’s Last Bid to Mine Near Yellowstone

Court further unanimously declares loophole in law favoring mining industry is unconstitutional

document April 16, 2019

Order Ruling on Plaintiff's Motion for Vacatur of Exploration License re: Lucky Minerals Inc.

Park County Environmental Council and Greater Yellowstone Coalition filed their Motion for Vacatur of Exploration License and Brief in support on June 1, 2018. The Motion for Vacatur is granted. The Exploration License that is subject of this case by DEQ to Lucky Minerals, Inc. is void and of no further force and effect.

Near the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Emigrant Peak and the Emigrant Gulch proposed mining area lies behind the locally-owned, world famous Chico Hot Springs Resort. There are mine claims on both sides of the gulch on both private and public land. (Photo by William Campbell / Aerial flight by Bruce Gordon / Ecoflight)
Press Release: Victory April 16, 2019

Court Affirms Yellowstone More Valuable than Gold, Blocks Mining Exploration

Lucky Minerals’ exploration license ruled invalid, taking plans for exploratory drilling “off the table”

document May 29, 2018

Lucky Minerals Emigrant Gulch License Decision

This case involves the Plaintiff’s challenge of the decision made by Defendant Department of Environmental Quality to grant Defendant Lucky Minerals, Inc. an exploration license in the Emigrant gulch area of the Absaroka Mountains. 

Emigrant Gulch aerial view looking east from Emigrant Peak. There are mine claims on both sides of the gulch on both private and public land.
(Photo courtesy of William Campbell)
Press Release: Victory May 29, 2018

Court Rules Montana Illegally Approved Gold Exploration License Near Yellowstone

Montana Department of Environmental Quality must complete more extensive environmental review of Lucky Minerals’ drilling plan

The front lawn of the world famous, locally-owned, Chico Hot Springs Resort. Emigrant Peak rises in background.
(Photo courtesy of William Campbell)
case September 22, 2017

Defending Yellowstone National Park from Industrial Gold Mining

Groups opposed to industrial gold mining north of Yellowstone National Park filed a lawsuit on September 22, 2017, challenging the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s approval of extensive mineral exploration in Emigrant Gulch near Park County’s Paradise Valley. The exploration is proposed by Lucky Minerals, a Canadian company whose intention is to develop “a multi-million…

document September 22, 2017

Yellowstone Gateway Mining MEPA Challenge

This case challenges state approval for a plan by Canadian-based Lucky Minerals (“Lucky”) to explore for gold and other minerals in Emigrant Gulch above Montana’s iconic Paradise Valley, approximately 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Lucky’s project aims to pave the way for a large-scale gold mine in this sensitive and scenic area. More than 300 Park County, Montana businesses and thousands of individuals have objected to the project on grounds that it would industrialize a remote area that is home to grizzly bears, wolverines, and other wildlife, and would threaten to dismantle Park County’s tourism economy that depends on clean water and pristine views. However, on July 26, 2017, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”) determined that the exploratory drilling—which would occur 24 hours each day between July 15 and October 15 for two consecutive years—would not cause any significant environmental impacts and approved the project.

The front lawn of the world famous. locally owned, Chico Hot Springs Resort with Emigrant Peak in background.
(Courtesy of William Campbell)
Press Release September 22, 2017

Groups Sue State to Protect Emigrant Gulch from Gold Mine Exploration

State agency broke the law by approving exploration project without scrutinizing its harm to the environment, Park County

Article November 22, 2016

Nuestro Primer Parque Nacional: Más Valioso Que el Oro

Las minas de la entrada de Yellowstone podrían disminuir áreas de hábitat y amenaza la comunidad local al afectar la economía de la región.

View of Mineral Mountain at the entrance to the historic community of Old Chico, a popular tourist destination for those looking for peace and quiet. This will be the access road for drilling rigs and heavy equipment.
(Photo courtesy of William Campbell)
Article November 22, 2016

Our First National Park: More Precious Than Gold

Mining proposals on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park threaten the environment and the local economy.

Emigrant Gulch aerial view looking east from Emigrant Peak. There are mine claims on both sides of the gulch on both private and public land.
(Photo courtesy of William Campbell)
Press Release November 21, 2016

U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior Prevent Gold Mining on More than 30,000 Acres Near Yellowstone National Park

The proposal places slated gold exploration on public lands on time-out