Forest Service Reviews Montana Mine Expansion Plans
Published Date: 6/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Forest Service and Montana’s environmental team are teaming up to review Stillwater Mining’s plan to expand mining on forest and private lands. They’re kicking off a 30-day public comment period until July 15, 2026, to hear your thoughts before drafting a big impact report in 2027. This update could change how mining affects the land and local communities, so it’s a big deal for everyone nearby!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mine life extended 36–42 years
Stillwater Mining’s Amendment 14 proposes to expand underground mining on National Forest System and private lands to continue platinum-group metal production for an additional 36 to 42 years. The proposal would add ventilation and water-management infrastructure, modify reclamation plans, and require about 30 acres of new surface disturbance on Forest lands, including relocating part of Nye Creek into an engineered channel.
No-action could cost 1,100 jobs
Under the no-action alternative, development would be limited to currently approved operations and the Stillwater Mine is projected to reach full capacity in 2031. The notice states the no-action alternative would directly impact 1,100 jobs and affect production at the principal domestic source of palladium and platinum.
Possible water, soil, and scenic harms
The Forest Service identifies likely issues to evaluate: diverting Nye Creek into an engineered channel may degrade riparian areas and scenic integrity; continued and expanded construction may impact surface and groundwater quality and quantity; and construction of the expanded waste rock facility may reduce available topsoil needed for final reclamation. These are the specific environmental impacts the agencies will study in the Environmental Impact Statement.
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Key Dates
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