Crown Butte continues New World permitting

With field activities completed for the season, Crown Butte Resources (TSE) plans to continue permitting work “at a priority pace” this winter for its New World gold project in Montana.

The company recently submitted a revised permit application which includes a new operating plan for the project based on underground mining and a gravity-flotation processing system. The new plan reflects a decision earlier this summer to delete open-pit mining and the use of cyanide. Crown Butte said the new methods were selected to achieve optimum gold, copper and silver recoveries from identified reserves. But mining analysts expect the change in mining and processing methods will also diffuse opposition to the project by environmental groups.

Crown Butte redesigned its tailings impoundment facility which will now be located on a side hill containment site near the concentrator. The revised permit included the company’s response to the Fourth Round of Completeness Review. The agencies have 30 days to determine whether another round will be required, or if the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process can begin.

Crown Butte is owned 60% by Hemlo Gold Mines (TSE).