The Black Butte Copper project in Montana is inching closer to construction, as owners Tintina Montana move forward on the proposed underground copper mine near White Sulphur Springs. The 450-acre mine site has seen the completion of the first construction phase, with access roads and a pond in place to manage runoff water. The next step will be tunneling underground, a process set to take around 18 months to reach the copper deposits.
With a growing global demand for copper in various industries, Tintina sees the Black Butte site as a valuable resource due to its high-grade copper deposits. Plans include building a mill on-site to process the copper ore and transport it for smelting, while also ensuring responsible environmental practices like capping the tailings facility.
Despite facing legal challenges from environmental groups, Tintina remains committed to addressing concerns and ensuring the project follows sustainable practices. Efforts to protect the environment include no open-pit mining commitments and support for community involvement through the Meagher County Stewardship Council.
The Black Butte project is expected to bring economic benefits to Meagher County, with hundreds of jobs anticipated during construction and once the mine is operational. Signs of support can be seen in businesses around White Sulphur Springs, indicating a positive outlook for the project’s impact on the community’s growth and prosperity. While challenges like housing issues remain, proactive measures are in place to address them and support continued development in the area.
