Mine reclamation timeline changes

Troy Mine, Inc. has contacted Chris Savage, Kootenai National Forest (KNF) Supervisor, and Operating Permit Section Supervisor for Montana Hard Rock Mining Bureau Herb Rolfes, to give an update on the reclamation schedule for the Troy Mine.

“The legal questions regarding the ability of Hecla subsidiaries to legally operate in the State of Montana is an unforeseen circumstance warranting modification to the Troy reclamation schedule,” commented Troy Mine general manager Doug Stiles.

In September 2017, the Troy Mine submitted a reclamation schedule to the KNF and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). According to Montana Law, anytime there are changes to the reclamation schedule, notifications must be sent.

Although the overall reclamation end date is not anticipated to change, according to Troy Mine, “modest changes to intermediate milestones within the previous plan” are necessary. Troy Mine added that the modified schedule may “change depending on conditions encountered during early phases of planning work, detailed design needs, or other unforeseen circumstances.”

Troy Mine’s schedule reflects that revegetation planning and monitoring, western toad mitigation planning and the second phase of reclamation design planning have been completed. Weed control planning updates, subsistence monitoring plans and surface and ground water monitoring plan updates are in progress.

Although ground work at the tailing storage facility will be complete earlier than expected, and the mill demolition project will be completed this month, as expected, timeline delays of one or two years are expected in tailings facility reclamation, water management system design and maintenance planning, construction of water collection systems and the removal of power services. The entire reclamation project is expected to be complete by the end of 2022, Troy Mine reported.

“The monitoring and management plans have been submitted to both the KNF and DEQ for review and comment,” Troy Mine stated. “We will continue to work with both agencies to finalize and implement those plans.”

So far, Troy Mine has invested more than $6 million in reclamation efforts. According to Troy Mine, they have posted a $24.6 million reclamation bond, double its previous amount.

The Troy Mine permanently ceased operations in March 2015, following 2012 when successional rock falls forced closure and in 1993, after operating for its first 12 years. The mine claimed one life in 2007 when a portion of the roof collapsed.