Montana groups sue to block coal mine expansion over water and tribal concerns

Three environmental groups are suing Montana’s DEQ over its approval of a coal mine expansion that threatens groundwater, sacred Native sites and ranchers' livelihoods.

Darrell Ehrlick reports for Daily Montanan.

In short:

• The lawsuit argues the Bull Mountain Mine expansion will deplete groundwater and harm ranchers who depend on it for livestock.
• Tribal groups have not been adequately consulted about the destruction of culturally significant sites like a prehistoric petroglyph in the area.
• Signal Peak Energy, the mine's operator, has a history of safety violations and environmental harm, including insufficient efforts to replenish lost water.

Key quote:

“The mine’s cumulative impacts are draining and will continue to drain water from the Bull Mountains huge volumes (hundreds of gallons per minute) for decades, which the deep aquifer cannot support.”

— lawsuit filing by Earthjustice.

Why this matters:

The expansion could worsen water shortages in Montana’s ranching regions and further erode trust between Native tribes and state regulators. Additionally, the mine will release significant carbon emissions, contributing to climate change.

Related EHN coverage:

• Coal to solar switch could save 52,000 US lives per year.
• LISTEN: What would a just energy transition look like for US tribes?
• The cultural legacy of coal mining and its relevance to renewable energy