- Hecla's Libby Exploration Project in Montana has been added to the FAST-41 permitting dashboard.
- This designation is part of the Trump Administration's critical minerals initiative to boost domestic silver and copper production.
- The project is currently under Environmental Assessment review and aims to streamline the permitting process for future development.
Hecla Mining Company (HL, Financial) has announced that its Libby Exploration Project has been selected for inclusion on the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s FAST-41 permitting dashboard. This project, located in Montana, was recognized as part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to advance critical mineral projects under Executive Order 14241. The inclusion on the FAST-41 dashboard is expected to enhance transparency in the environmental review process and facilitate a more efficient path to obtaining a final Record of Decision.
The Libby Exploration Project is a significant silver and copper deposit situated 50 miles from Hecla's Lucky Friday mine. As these minerals are deemed critical under the Executive Order, the project’s advancement is seen as crucial to increasing domestic mineral production. Rob Krcmarov, President and CEO of Hecla, expressed optimism about the project's potential to add value to the company's portfolio. He highlighted the strategic importance of developing domestic resources and expressed gratitude to Montana’s congressional delegation for their support.
The current development status of the Libby Exploration Project involves an Environmental Assessment review by the U.S. Forest Service. Hecla plans to submit a new Plan of Operations for construction and development upon successful completion of this review, pending a positive outcome from ongoing feasibility and data collection activities.
