Tintina Resources Provides Update on Black Butte Copper Mine Operating Permit Process

Tintina Resources, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received a third round of response comments from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ) with regards to its’ submission in the Complete and Compliant portion of the Black Butte Copper Mine Operating Permit (“MOP”) process.

The MT DEQ has identified a few remaining issues which require clarification. Once the project has achieved Complete and Compliant status, a draft Mine Operating Permit will be transmitted and the process moves forward to the next step in the permitting process; a full Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The EIS will be a comprehensive third party review of the MOP and will result in a Final Record of Decision. In addition, the Company will be required to attain other permits such as Air Quality, Public Water Supply, and a Montana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (MPDES). A Clean Water Act 404 permit is currently in process.

A summary of the MOP can be found on our website www.blackbuttecopper.com along with a 3D animation of the planned project showing what the site will look like before and during mining operations as well as after reclamation.

The proposed underground mine is designed to provide economic opportunity to Central Montana while fully protecting the Smith River Watershed:

1. All designed openings and entry points to the underground mine are located well above the water table preventing water from ever leaving the mine.
2. Surface irrigation rights have been leased for instream flow to ensure there is no change to the water levels in Sheep Creek.
3. A reverse osmosis water treatment plant will treat water on-site from construction through reclamation, and will return clean water back to the same ground water system through a buried infiltration system. The water treatment plant will remain active as long as needed to ensure all water involved in the operation meets Montana’s non-degradation water standards through reclamation and closure.
4. Our mining plan fills all underground mined areas in the copper deposit through paste/backfill ensuring that only a small percentage of the underground mine is open at any given time and that no large open spaces are left underground. There will be no subsidence from surface.
5. Mill tailings that are not returned underground (approx. 55%) have cement added to them and will be placed in a double-lined facility. This innovative use of existing mine technology eliminates windblown dust and prevents acid runoff. Any unmilled rock brought to surface will be stored here. During reclamation, the cemented tailings facility will be sealed with another liner, covered with several feet of cover and original top soil and returned to grazing.
6. Our reclamation plan returns the entire site to the traditional use of cattle grazing
7. with no treatment of water in perpetuity necessary.

John Shanahan, CEO stated, “An incredible effort has been put forward by the Tintina team with the oversight and review from the Montana DEQ. We have produced an industry leading underground mining plan that ensures we can have both; protecting our pristine environment while providing economic opportunity in Meagher County and Central Montana. We greatly appreciate the support and guidance from our major shareholders, Sandfire Resources NL and The Electrum Group.LLC. We remain committed and focused to bringing the extraordinary project to fruition.”

Jerry Zieg, VP of Exploration closed by stating, “I am amazed at and thankful for the support we have received from my home community. I’m proud that we have created a project that fits our community while successfully protects traditional uses of our watershed and safeguards the environment; all while providing tremendous economic opportunities for Central Montana.”

Source: http://www.tintinaresources.com/