Water More Precious Than Gold

05/10/2026

Extractive Tyranny

04/11/2026

04/03/2026

The Blackfoot is more precious than gold. Always has been, always will be.

In 1998, Montanans voted 53% to 47% to support a citizen’s initiative, proposed by MEIC, to phase out open pit, cyanide-leach mining in Montana, which protected the Blackfoot River from the development of new open pit cyanide leach mines (such as the McDonald Gold Project).

Now, a new threat has emerged.

Sentinel Metals, an Australian company, has proposed a mining project in the headwaters of the Blackfoot River near Lincoln. The company is searching for gold, a metal used for jewelry and gold bars, with very few other applicable uses.

DEQ is accepting comments on the environmental assessment until April 13. An environmental assessment, however, is not nearly enough to fully consider the major implications of a potential gold mine in the headwaters of the Blackfoot River. Due to the exceptional fishery, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural significance of the Blackfoot River, a more in-depth environmental impact statement (EIS) is necessary to fully examine and consider the impacts that a large-scale mining project could have on the Blackfoot River.

Tell DEQ the Blackfoot is not the place for a gold mine. Submit your comment at MEIC's website: https://meic.org/bill-tracker/ #/246

02/10/2026

Contact the Senate!