Three key takeaways from Silver Bow Mining's exploration plan near Walkerville

Silver Bow Mining, the successor to Butte Blackjack, hopes to conduct exploratory mining activities in lands near Walkerville that were mined in decades past.

The company has applied to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for the license it needs to begin both exploratory surface drilling and underground mining to characterize the ore body’s potential for commercial mining.

DEQ recently released a draft environmental assessment for the proposed project and is accepting related public comment until March 2.

1. Silver Bow Mining needs money

Silver Bow Mining’s exploration plans will require investors. The company has initiated a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for initial public offering of stock. The filing acknowledged the company currently has no operating cash flow and a history of losses. Silver Bow Mining’s CEO Travis Naugle has expressed confidence that the ore body identified will yield both critical minerals and value during a time when domestic mining of critical minerals is viewed as vital for national security.

2. Butte’s mining history

A note to investors and potential investors reads, “Silver Bow Mining Corp. operates in of one of the most prolific historical mining districts in the western United States – Butte, Montana.”

Butte’s colorful and illustrious mining history, with its reputation as the “Richest Hill on Earth,” could be both a plus and minus for Silver Bow Mining. Nearly everyone who has long-term ties to Butte feels some measure of pride about its mining heritage and enduring legacies such as architectural richness, labor history and melting-pot diversity.

Ongoing mining by Montana Resources is a major engine for the regional economy.

But evidence abounds also of the environmental damage wrought by past practices. Some remedies will continue “in perpetuity.” Many residents remain wary. That’s especially true in Walkerville, which would be a neighbor to the exploration work. Social media comments on the related story in The Montana Standard showed a predictable split about mining’s role in Butte, with both steadfast fans and foes.

3. Community involvement

Silver Bow Mining, headquartered in British Columbia, has an office in Butte. Its project manager is a Butte native. The company pledges it will be transparent with the community, convening public meetings, for example, if and when the project moves forward. Naugle said there will be specific outreach to the residents of Walkerville, the community closest to the proposed project.