NEWS

Mine operators look at new site near mine that is closing

The Associated Press

WHITEHALL — Mine operators east of Butte are looking to open a new gold mine just miles from the existing open pit gold mine that is set to close.

The Montana Standard reports that the Golden Sunlight Mine is seeking a permit for a new gold mine less than a mile from the existing one, which is northeast of Whitehall.

Mine manager Dan Banghart says the new mine would be an expansion of the old mine and would use the same mill to process the ore. The new mine is awaiting permitting by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

At the original mine, 135 employees are facing unemployment starting Tuesday.

If approved, the new mine would not open until 2019.