MONTANA NEWS ROUNDUP: Work Continues on Bitterroot Mine

Managers of the Bitterroot National Forest say a Utah firm will continue exploration for "rare earth" elements in the Upper Bitterroot Valley this year, but won't need additional operational plans approved.

U.S. Critical Minerals made headlines three years ago when it claimed the old tracts on Upper Sheep Creek on the West Fork of the Bitterroot had what it called "the highest grade rare earth deposit in the United States."

The company has spent the past couple of years doing exploratory work in the Upper watershed, claiming a year ago that initial work had proven high levels of gallium, as one of the 15 elements at the site. Gallium can be used in semiconductors.

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Mining work at the headwaters of the Bitterroot

Now, the Forest Service just announced that the company will be continuing exploration this year at a level that won't require a full "operational plan." That includes sampling and surveying with hand tools and helicopters or drones.

The project has generated concerns about mining development on the headwaters of the Bitterroot from sportsmen's and conservation groups.

Is it snowing in Montana again?

Winter storm warnings remain up this morning for some of the higher elevation areas across Southwest Montana. From east of Dillon to Red Lodge, including the Gallatin and Madison Range and the Centennial Mountains, some areas of blowing and drifting snow were reported overnight, with forecasters expecting up to a foot or more of new snow, although most of the major roads had been primarily wet overnight.

Flood warnings had also been issued across South Central Montana for runoff from snowmelt and thunderstorms along areas draining off the Beartooth Plateau, the Crazy Mountains as well as Livingston and the Paradise Valley.

Dangerous animal cruelty case finally resolved in Montana

The ongoing story of an animal cruelty case, which also included a fatal shooting, may have finally been resolved with a judge's sentencing in Great Falls.

Jason Laird has details…

The Electric reports the case originally began when there was a fire at the woman's home in 2020, but the case was complicated last year when there was a shooting while deputies were doing their investigation on the property, when deputies fatally shot a friend of Pam Polejewski's, with one officer also being injured.

Montana football stars head to the NFL

Two of Montana's biggest football standouts of the past few years are headed off to the NFL after the draft wrapped up last week.

Bobcats QB Tommy Mellott will be leaving his Butte home behind after he was drafted with the 213th pick to turn his speed loose as a wide receiver with the Raiders, who also picked North Dakota State standout Cam Miller at quarterback.

The Grizzlies' Junior Bergen was taken with the last pick to play wide receiver with the 49ers. All together, 8-FCS players were taken in the draft.

READ MORE:

 UM Grizzlies' Season Recap

Monday Montana Math:

🏈 In all, 74 Montana-born players have suited up for National Football League Teams.