Sandfire Resources will fight to retain development rights over its Black Butte underground copper project in central Montana, USA after a state district court judge ruled its mine operating permit was improperly approved by state authorities.
Following the court’s summary judgment on a legal challenge by environmental groups, 87%-owned subsidiary Sandfire Resources America and the state have 45 days to propose remedial measures to the judge.
Sandfire says the judge’s decision on their proposals will decide the future of the proposed development of its 226,100t (8.8Mt @ 2.6% Cu) contained copper reserve.
MD-CEO Karl Simich argues Sandfire has gone to extraordinary lengths, well beyond industry standards, to meet Montana's rigorous permitting requirements.