Montana Silver Mine Proposals: Citing Track Record, Opponents Seek Suspended Permits

BILLINGS, MT — Phillips Baker, president of Hecla Mining Company of Idaho, was a former executive with Pegasus Gold Inc., which environmentalists said operated three mines that polluted nearby waterways. Citing Baker's track record, the environmental groups now want Montana regulators to suspend permits for two silver mines proposed by Hecla.

Attorneys for Earthworks, the Clark Fork Coalition and three other groups Monday urged officials to enforce a state law that blocks individuals who fail to reclaim old mines from starting new ones.

Hecla proposed the Rock Creek and Montanore mines in northwest Montana. Company spokesman Luke Russell said the environmental groups misinterpreted the law to block the new mines.

Department of Environmental Quality spokeswoman Kristi Ponozzo said the agency was reviewing the environmentalists' request.

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