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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Montana says copper mine permit application is deficient

Associated Press

HELENA – Montana environmental officials say a permit application for a proposed copper mine near a Smith River tributary is deficient.

Thursday’s rejection of Tintina Montana’s application by the Department of Environmental Quality is the second this year. One of the major problems found is that the company’s geochemical testing has not been completed.

The company will have an opportunity to address the problems and re-submit the application.

Tintina spokeswoman Nancy Schlepp did not immediately return a call for comment.

The company wants an operating permit for an underground copper mine on private property near Sheep Creek about 15 miles north of White Sulphur Springs. Environmental groups worry the mine could damage water quality and potentially harm the Smith River.

Tintina officials say the mine tailings would be deposited at least a mile from the creek.