Montana Supreme Court reviews water rights dispute over a proposed copper mine, potentially setting a precedent for future mine permitting.
The Montana Supreme Court is considering a legal battle over water rights for a proposed copper mine in the Smith River area. Environmental groups argue that the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) should have analyzed the full 263 million gallons of water, as the mine plans to remove this amount through dewatering. The DNRC and Tintina argue that Montana's Water Use Act allows the DNRC to regulate or permit only water waste or beneficial use. The case may set a precedent for future permitting for mines and the interpretation of water rights in Montana.
March 29, 2024
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