Hard Rock | Exploration License Proposed Amendment for SBM Montana, LLC. – Rainbow Block – EXPLORATION LICENSE NO. 00857 | Comment Period Closes March 2, 2026

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed exploration project near Butte and Walkerville, Montana in Silver Bow County. SBM Montana, LLC. (SBM), formerly Butte Blackjack Operating, LLC., has filed an application with DEQ for an Amendment to an Exploration License under the Metal Mine Reclamation Act. The Exploration License Amendment would authorize surface drilling operations, excavation of a new portal, and driving a shaft underground to bulk sample underground ore. 

The proposed exploration activities would take place near Butte and Walkerville, MT in Silver Bow County, over a total area of about 12 acres. Surface disturbance would occur on ground previously disturbed by exploration or historic mining activities. SBM proposes that the exploration project would be completed no later than December 31, 2029, and the reclamation work would be completed no later than December 31, 2031.  

DEQ prepared a Draft EA to disclose the potential impacts from the project and determine if there are significant impacts. The Draft EA is not a decision document rather a disclosure of the potential impacts from the project. If a proposed project meets the requirements set forth in the Metal Mine Reclamation Act and a performance bond is held by the state, then DEQ must authorize the Amendment. 

Location: Silver Bow County (46.03165°, -112.52317°) 

Associated Materials:  
Draft Environmental Assessment 

 
Comment Period Closes: March 2, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. 
 
Submit Comments To: deqmepa@mt.gov 
 

Field Services and Technology Section 
Mining Bureau  
Department of Environmental Quality  
2401 Colonial Drive 
Helena, MT 59601 

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Tags: MEPA, Public Comment and Hard Rock