https://newsletter.mw.creamermedia.com
Copper|Dewatering|Exploration|Gold|Infrastructure|Mining|PROJECT|Service|Environmental|Infrastructure|Operations
Copper|Dewatering|Exploration|Gold|Infrastructure|Mining|PROJECT|Service|Environmental|Infrastructure|Operations
copper|dewatering|exploration|gold|infrastructure|mining|project|service|environmental|infrastructure|operations

Dismissal of ‘bad actor’ lawsuit clears path for Hecla’s Montana project

15th July 2024

By: Mariaan Webb

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

     

Font size: - +

NYSE-listed Hecla Mining has announced the dismissal of a ‘bad actor’ lawsuit that has been impacting its Libby Exploration project, in Montana.

The lawsuit, filed by environmental groups and tribes, alleged that former CEO Philip Baker was unfit for the exploration and mining permits sought by Hecla, owing to his past involvement with Pegasus Gold, which filed for bankruptcy in 1998 and subsequently defaulted on reclamation obligations at several Montana mines.

The Montana First Judicial District Court in Lewis and Clark County dismissed the lawsuit on July 11, following Baker’s recent retirement from Hecla. The plaintiffs voluntarily withdrew their legal challenge, citing the change in leadership as a decisive factor in their decision.

The lawsuit had sought declaratory relief and a writ of mandamus to compel the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to enforce provisions under the Metal Mines Reclamation Act, which could have hindered Hecla’s efforts to renew or obtain new permits necessary for the Libby Exploration project.

The dismissal of the lawsuit allows Hecla to refocus its efforts on securing the necessary permits for the project, which represents a significant silver and copper opportunity.

Hecla’s subsidiary has submitted a plan of operations to the US Forest Service, which is undergoing environmental assessment review under the National Environmental Policy Act. If approved, the plan would facilitate crucial activities including dewatering and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, as well as the commencement of new exploration initiatives.

Hecla announced Baker’s retirement in May, appointing Cassie Boggs as interim president and CEO.

QUARTERLY PRODUCTION

Meanwhile, Boggs last week reported record quarterly output at the Lucky Friday mine, improved throughput at Keno Hill and a solid performance at Greens Creek.

Hecla produced 4.5-million ounces of silver during the quarter, a 6% increase over the prior quarter, reflecting a full quarter of production at Lucky Friday.

Boggs said that Keno Hill’s expected silver production would exceed 2.7-million ounces this year, standing Hecla in good stead to produce 17-million ounces in 2024 – nearly 20% up from 2023’s output.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

Comments

Showroom

Condra Cranes
Condra Cranes

ISO-certified Condra manufactures overhead cranes, portal cranes, cantilever cranes and crane components: hoists, drives, end-carriages, brakes and...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment (PTY) LTD
Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment (PTY) LTD

For over 30 years, Werner South Africa Pumps & Equipment (PTY) LTD has been designing, manufacturing, supplying and maintaining specialist...

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Magazine round up | 06 December 2024
Magazine round up | 06 December 2024
6th December 2024

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.206 0.282s - 129pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now