Montana environmental regulators are dropping their case to disqualify Hecla Mining from getting future mining permits in the state. The company’s CEO was previously an executive with Pegasus Gold, which abandoned mines in Montana.
Critics say there could be consequences for not seeking penalties under Montana’s “bad actors” law.
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director Chris Dorrington says the state dropped its case against Hecla Mining Company after three years in court because the cost of litigating the case wasn’t worth the likely outcome.