The Opencut Section reviews permit and amendment applications within its statutory timeframe to ensure Opencut minerals (bentonite, clay, scoria, soil materials, peat, sand or gravel) are extracted in accordance with the act and rules to ensure adequate protection of environmental resources and successful reclamation of the affected land back to a productive post-mining land use.
Annual Production Reports have been mailed. If you did not receive yours please call us and we can get you a copy.
UPDATED Click here for Instructions to electronically submit a Payment to DEQ Opencut.
The next meeting has been scheduled for May 28, 2020, 1:00 pm, Metcalf Building Room 111. Click here for minutes from the January 15, 2020 meeting.
Click here for the slide show presentation for the State's File Transfer Service.
This pamphlet describes how to determine if the sub-surface minerals are owned by the Bureau of Land Management or a private land owner. Be sure to verify mineral ownershipprior to submitting an Opencut application.
Click here to see the latest information about Sage Grouse Requirements from the Montana Sage Grouse Program.
The Opencut Section has received an Amendment Application and deemed it complete for the TMC Inc.-Morgan Family LLC Site-Opencut #1737 in Gallatin County. Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
The Opencut Section has received a Permit Application and deemed it incomplete for the Valley Sand and Gravel, LLC-McHugh 2 Gravel Pit-Opencut #3088 in Lewis & Clark County. Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
The Opencut Section has received a complete Permit Application for the Firstmark Materials – Oscar's site – OC #3115 in Yellowstone County. Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
The Opencut Section has received a complete Permit Application for the Riverside Contracting, Inc. – Donnes site – OC #3077 in Yellowstone County. Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
The Opencut Section has received a complete Permit Application for the LaSalle Sand & Gravel Corp – Pioneer Gravel Pit site – OC #2935 in Flathead County. Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
The Opencut Mining Section conducted a public meeting for this permit application on December 12, 2017 at the Bitteroot River Inn located in Hamilton, Montana. The application can be viewed at https://searchopencutpermits.mt.gov/ by entering 'Townsend' in the 'Site Name' box and clicking 'Submit' or by entering '2903' in the 'Opencut#' box and clicking: 'Submit'
Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
The Opencut Section has received a complete Permit Application for the Deer Creek Excavating, LLC – Cottonwood site – OC #2864 in Powell County. Comments will be accepted for this site throughout the permitting process. To submit a public comment click here. Thank you for taking the time to comment on this application.
Click here to access Mapping DEQ's Data and view permitted Opencut site locations. If you experience issues viewing the application, please try a different browser. For information on how to use the application, go to the Instructional Resources tab and open How to Use Opencut's Web Mapping Appliction.
Click here to Search Opencut Permits.
Request for Pre-Application Meeting
DEQ strongly recommends Operators request a meeting before submitting an application. In response, an Opencut scientist will contact the Operator and schedule a visit to provide guidance on the application process and recommendations on the proposed Opencut operation. Activities within or adjacent to designated sage grouse habitats require consultation with the Montana Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program. The DEQ Sage Grouse Advisory is also a source of information.
This guidance document is a MUST-READ for all permitting activities:
Use the following documents to apply for an Opencut Mining Permit or Amendment:
One of the following bonding instruments is also required:
Upon Completion of Reclamation, use the following form to request Liability or Bond Release:
Use the following documents for various permitting functions as appropriate:
The following documents provide technical guidance for Opencut Mining Permitting:
Use these worksheets to help you in the Opencut permitting process:
These forms are provided by other agencies to help you in the Opencut permitting process:
Cultural Resource Submittal Procedure:
James Strait Montana DEQ Dir. Office 1520 E 6th Ave Helena, MT 59601 Email: JStrait@mt.gov
Instructional Videos:
Instructional Documents:
Opencut Mining Act, Title 82 Minerals, Oil, and Gas, Chapter 4 Reclamation
Administrative Rulemaking Notices
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is charged with protecting a clean and healthy environment as guaranteed to our citizens by our State Constitution. Our ultimate goal is to protect public health and to maintain Montana's high quality of life for current and future generations.