State of Montana confirms Montanore Projects operating permit

Mines Management, Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Montanore Minerals Corporation (MMC), has received notification from the State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that it has confirmed Hard Rock Operating Permit 150 for the Montanore Project as an active permit. This permit was originally approved and issued in, and remained in force since, 1993.

Consistent with that determination, the DEQ has requested, and the Company has agreed, to withdraw its application for a new operating permit and to propose amendments to reflect the current status of the project.

“We are gratified with the state's confirmation of the permit, as it accurately reflects our long held belief that Montanore is an existing project, not an application for a new project. It is an important clarification,” commented Glenn M. Dobbs, the company's president and CEO.

Concurrently with DEQ review, the U.S. Forest Service will continue its full review of the preliminary draft Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the company in November 2007. The state agency will continue to work together with the U.S. Forest Service on development of the amended draft Environmental Impact Statement as part of the ongoing state and federal permitting processes.

Mines Management, Inc., is a U.S. based mineral exploration company focused on the Montanore Silver-Copper Project located in northwestern Montana.

The Montanore Project is currently undergoing an advanced stage exploration and evaluation program and permitting process.