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In the News: Montana Free Press June 23, 2023

The Montana Supreme Court takes up permitting for Black Butte copper project

Jenny Harbine, Managing Attorney, Northern Rockies Office, Earthjustice “It’s not enough to say that there’s a pretty good chance that this mine will operate as planned and environmental harm will be avoided. That’s not what the statute requires, and that’s not good enough for the Smith River or its tributaries, which have irreplaceable values to…

document April 11, 2022

Final order in Smith River Mine MMRA/MEPA case

Final order granting Plaintiffs’ motion for Summary Judgment in Smith River Mine MMRA/MEPA case. 

Press Release: Victory April 11, 2022

Smith River One Step Closer to Protections From Black Butte Copper Mine After Court Ruling

Proposed mine would produce roughly 12.9 million tons of acid-generating waste

The Smith River in Montana is the only river that requires permits to float. It is beloved for trout fishing and rafting. A multinational corporation plans to build a copper mine in the watershed threatening the health of the river.
(Brian Grossenbacher)
Press Release June 4, 2020

Groups Challenge Copper Mine Proposal that Threatens the Smith River

Challenge aims to protect water quality, important trout habitat within the watershed

The Sheep Creek drainage accounts for over half of the tributary spawning for rainbow trout in the Smith River drainage.
(Jennifer Nicole Buchanan / Shutterstock)
case March 21, 2014

Protecting Montana's Smith River

Proposed mining exploration activities at the headwaters of Montana’s famed Smith River threaten to degrade water and further strain already low stream flows, according to a formal legal complaint filed in Montana District Court by Earthjustice, on behalf of the Montana Environmental Information Center and Earthworks. Conservation advocates, supported by Smith River outfitters, filed the…

Press Release March 17, 2014

Conservation Groups File Suit to Protect Montana’s Smith River

Rigorous environmental analysis needed on proposed Black Butte Copper Project

document March 14, 2014

Smith River Complaint