Environment
We Value & Protect Local Lands
At Sandfire, we put the work in to ensure we responsibly access our valuable natural resources and protect the environment. We embrace environmental responsibility, innovation leadership, and implementation of complete environmental solutions. From high standards of safety to conscientious engineering practices, we aim to safeguard the site and surrounding areas impacted by our operations.
Research
Sandfire utilizes decades of research to inform how we best care for the environment.
Water Protection
We aim to minimize environmental impact and protect all water resources.
Modern Mining
We utilize the latest mining technology and science to preserve the land.
Environmental Research
Local Knowledge, 21st Century Studies, Worldwide Expertise
We have nine years of baseline data behind our efforts, so we are taking meticulous care to preserve the land we impact by partnering with local authorities, utlizing modern methods, and drawing on the knowledge of mining experts. Along with regular water monitoring, we’ve completed extensive testing to properly classify all the rocks that will be mined and manage them safely. We aim to use the most comprehensive and sohpisticasted environmental management practices the industry has ever seen to best protect the environment. We’ve designed the safest solution, not the cheapest.
Water Protection & Studies
Dedicated to Maintaining Water Quality
We take protecting all the water resources seriously. Because the sulfide minerals that form the copper zone can create acid if not handled correctly and if allowed to oxidize, their careful management is critical to maintaining water quality. Sandfire collects information from water monitoring stations in the area surrounding our projects that gather baseline information regularly. Additionally, we utilize reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plants on-site for the duration of mining operations that remain on site for as long they’re needed. We ensure water rights mitigation meets Montana’s strong ‘non-degradation’ water standards.
Modern Mining
Innovation at its Best
We’re different than predecessors, as we use state-of-the-art mining techniques, research, and practices to preserve the local environment. In the 21st Century, we have discharge standards developed by state and federal legislation to meet; we have bonding requirements that will ensure funding for reclamation regardless of the fate of the company; and in order to receive a permit we have to prove there are no long term effects form our mining operation.
Our Project
Committed to Environmental Protection
This mining project will use 21st century technology to access our valuable natural resources and preserve the environment. Located north of White Sulphur Springs, Montana, Black Butte Copper will be an wholly-underground mine project to allow traditional land use to remain intact. Because the deposit is high grade, we can afford to go above and beyond standard safety and engineering practices to protect the environment and restore the site completely.
Surrounding area water monitoring stations we gather baseline information from regularly
%
Of surface returned to current agricultural uses
Waste rock piles left on surface—all waste rock stored in Cemented Tailings Facility or returned underground
Transparency
Is Important to Us
We’re proud to share our work and are always ready to answer questions. Reach out to our team to request more information.