Montana DEQ Seeks Comment on Exploratory Mining in Lincoln

It certainly isn't a secret that Montana holds some vast deposits of various in demand materials.  I mean, we are the Treasure State after all.  And while mining may have a rich past in the state, it also comes with a price to the environment.

via GIPHY

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is now considering a proposed exploration project near Lincoln, in Lewis and Clark County.  With it, they are requesting public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment for the project.

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Montana DEQ Seeks Comment on Exploratory Mining in Lincoln

The proposed project is brought forth by Sentinel Metals (Sentinel), doing business as Great Plains Mining, LLC and "is intended to collect data and characterize commercial potential of an ore body for possible mining".

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The exploratory drilling would be conducted for the "collection of subsurface geological information through core drilling to characterize mineralization at the Columbia Gold Project area, building on prior exploration conducted in 2016".

Proposal Says There Would be Minimal Impact to Blackfoot River Area

Sentinel's proposal states that there would be minimal impact to the area, including the Blackfoot River.  The activity would be near the small town of Lincoln and effect about 1.56 acres of area.  The application also indicated that there would be "no new access roads would be constructed, but operations would include overland travel. Reclamation of the disturbance would be required".

To comment on the proposal by Sentinel with the Montana DEQ, check the full release through the agency here.  The full draft environmental assessment report can be viewed here.  Public comment on the proposal is open until April 6, 2026.