Hecla Gold Mine Awaits Decision

Hecla Mining Co. will know early next week if a U.S. District Court Judge will allow its Grouse Creek gold mine to remain open while an injuction shuts down forestry and mining activity in national forests in southern and central Idaho.

The injuction comes from Saturday’s ruling on a case filed by two environmental groups against the U.S. Forest Service. All mining, logging, ranching and road building in six Idaho forests will temporarily stop Monday, according to Jim James, spokesman for the Forest Service in Challis, Idaho.

The injunction prevents activities in the national forest that could harm salmon habitat under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Hecla’s mining operations do not cause such harm, said spokeswoman April Boughton.

Logging and mining projects will receive certified letters from the service asking them to stop work, James said. Hecla’s lawyers went to court Tuesday to argue that since its Grouse Creek mine met all regulations and permit standards through the Forest Service that it should be allowed to remain open.

The injunction is expected to last several months while the Forest Service re-evaluates its forest management plans with the National Marine Fisheries Service.