White Sulphur Springs, MT,– December 16, 2015 – Tintina Montana Inc. (“Tintina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce submission of a Mine Operating Permit (“MOP”) application for the Johnny Lee copper deposit for its Black Butte Copper Project to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”). The application is a comprehensive document detailing the operating plan for one of the highest grade copper developments currently underway in the world.
The MOP application includes detailed studies completed by third party consultants outlining a mining proposal for the Johnny Lee deposit including plans for underground, workings, surface facilities, closure, and complete reclamation. Explanations of the proposal can be found on our website www.tintinaresources.com along with a 3D animation of the planned project showing what the site will look like during mining operations as well as after reclamation. The 3D animation can be found here.
Tintina is proud to present a mine design based on four years of research/baseline studies, cutting edge planning and innovative design. If permitted and constructed, this project will be the largest employer within Meagher County and will provide a significant economic boost to Montana while protecting the local watershed and environment.
Several key aspects of the MOP application are designed to protect the Smith River Watershed:
1. The tunnel opening and entry points for vent raises to the mine will be located well above the water table to prevent water from leaving the mine. All mine workings are below these points as well.
2. All water used in the processing will be sourced from underground mine dewatering. To prevent any discharge to surface waters, all ground water from the mine and surface water associated with facilities will be collected, tested, and treated before being placed back into the ground water system through an underground infiltration system buried 6-8 ft. below the surface. Groundwater and surface water will be monitored below the infiltration system.
3. A reverse osmosis water treatment plant will be constructed on-site for the duration of the mining operation and will remain there in closure as long as it is needed to ensure all water associated with the operation will meet Montana’s non-degradation water criteria and until closure objectives have been met.
4. Our underground mine design will minimize the risk of acid mine drainage and protect groundwater by filling mined out mineralized areas in the mine with impermeable cemented paste backfill made up of approximately half the tailings (left over ground up rock). When mining is completed, there will be no large open spaces left underground in the backfilled mine cavities and thus no room for reactive underground water reservoirs or future mine subsidence.
5. The other half of the tailings will be placed in a double-lined Cemented Tailings Facility, an innovative use of proven mining technologies, designed to minimize any risk of the formation of acid mine drainage. Mine tailings mixed with cement will be pumped into the double lined facility where they will harden into a solid. Water will not be held in the facility, but will be pumped out from a collection area located at the bottom of the facility as it settles from the drying cement mixture or accumulates from rain. This water will then be treated in the previously mentioned reverse osmosis system. In reclamation the facility will be capped and sealed with another liner, covered with several feet of cover and grassed over.
6. During reclamation, all areas of the mine site will be returned to cattle grazing. There will be no mined rock piles left on surface at the close of the mine.
The next step towards obtaining the permit is the MOP application going through a process of Completeness and Compliance with the Montana DEQ until the DEQ deems the application complete and ready for an independent third party Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
Jerry Zieg, VP of Exploration stated, “We feel that our plan will set a new standard for mining projects in Montana. Our plan includes an exceptionally high quality, environmentally safe design that Montanans and the mining industry can be proud of.”
Bruce Hooper, CEO closed by stating, “Tintina has succeeded in producing a permit application that fits with the community and safeguards the environment. This is all possible due to the exceptional copper grade and excellent location of the Black Butte Copper Project. We would especially like to thank our staff and Montana-based contractors who have worked diligently over the years to bring this project to this stage and achieve this important milestone. We encourage everyone to review the details and benefits of our proposal by visiting our websites and touring the project.”