NEWS

Talks ordered in mine dispute involving Schweitzer

Matthew Brown

BILLINGS (AP) – A federal judge has ordered settlement talks to resolve a legal dispute in which former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and others are seeking $10 million in compensation over some condemned mining claims.

Attorneys representing Schweitzer and others who own the claims requested the March 25 settlement conference. The move came after U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen issued an order last week shooting down arguments central to their compensation assertions.

The claims, or mining rights, were condemned to make way for the Montanore silver and copper mine, proposed near Libby by Spokane-based Mines Management Inc.

Christensen rejected a contention from Schweitzer’s group that it owns an existing entrance to the mine. The judge also denied the group’s request for a $3 million deposit.

Schweitzer is a former two-term Democratic governor.