Thank you from Hecla Mining

Letter to the Editor:

All of us at Hecla Mining Company want to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the public comment period on the Forest Service’s Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on our proposed Rock Creek Mine.  Since the DSEIS was released, we held numerous public meetings and spoke with neighbors and members of the local communities.  We are particularly thankful to the folks in Sanders and Lincoln counties for their questions and input during this process. 

During our conversations, questions were asked regarding the tailings facility design, water quality, and stream flows.  The tailings from the Rock Creek project are not acid generating and will be dewatered to a paste consistency, which will ensure safety and stability. In addition, Montana has established arguably the country’s most rigorous tailings permitting process including independent, third-party review by licensed experts to further ensure safe operation and closure.

During our initial 2-3 year exploration stage, no discharge to surface water is required. During operations, we will treat any water discharge to ensure we meet or exceed both state and federal water quality standards resulting in no adverse impact to streams, ground water, and the Clark Fork River. 

The DSEIS looked at a range of potential hydrological effects over the 30-plus year mine life based on available information. We will gather additional data during that exploration stage, information Hecla and the regulatory agencies will use to better refine the final mining plan to ensure protection to surface water resources in the area. 

We again thank everyone for their comments. We look forward to working closely with the local communities, the U.S. Forest Service, and cooperating agencies in the responsible development of the Rock Creek Mine and contributing positively to the economic growth of the region.

Phillips S. Baker, President and CEO

Hecla Mining Company