Page 8 - Bitterroot River News Today

Bitterroot National Forest officials say no exploration activities are taking place because the mining company has not submitted any proposals to continue exploration in 2024.

Bitterroot National Forest officials say no exploration activities are taking place because the mining company has not submitted any proposals to continue exploration in 2024.

Bitterroot National Forest officials say no exploration activities are taking place because the mining company has not submitted any proposals to continue exploration in 2024.

People in western Montana are keeping a close eye on a potential rare-earth metals mine in the Bitterroot Mountains, but the U.S. Forest Service says nothing is happening yet.

Known as the Fort Missoula Commons, the proposal includes 16 new residential townhomes and two commercial buildings. The Missoula Historic Preservation Commission voted against the project in May.

Commercial mining hasn’t taken place in the Bitterroot National Forest for decades, according to a ranger. “Previous mining activity in the Bitterroot includes the Skalkaho Vermiculite Deposit in the Sapphire

“Just the thought of an industrial scale mine on the Bitterroot River horrifies most Bitterrooters."

“Just the thought of an industrial scale mine on the Bitterroot River horrifies most Bitterrooters."

A mine exploration company wants to drill in the Bitterroot at Sheep Creek near the head of the West Fork.

A mine exploration company wants to drill in the Bitterroot at Sheep Creek near the head of the West Fork, and a group of conservation organizations called on the U.S.