(Libby, MT) — An Idaho mining company is getting the nod to look around a Montana mine. The US Forest Service recently approved an exploration permit to Hecla Mining Company for an old mining site near Libby. It’s been described as “world class” with the possibility of one and a half billion pounds of copper and 183 million ounces of silver. Conservation groups have expressed concern over the project because of potential impacts to groundwater and protected animals. The process of exploring is expected to take about 16 years.
