Big Timber, MT – Premium Exploration, Inc. has submitted a plan of operations for exploratory
core drilling on Forest Service lands in the Chrome Mountain area between Nye and Big Timber,
Montana. The Gallatin National Forest’s Yellowstone Ranger District is seeking public comment on this
proposal. The Forest Service is responsible for approving or requiring modifications to this plan in
accordance with applicable mining and environmental law.
A maximum of 15 sites would be drilled in this area on the Gallatin National Forest. Dependent
upon weather and snow conditions, exploratory drilling could start as early as September 2010. Drill rigs
would be mobilized using helicopters and ground-based equipment. No road or trail construction is
proposed. Up to two drill rigs would be working at one time and drilling at each site could occur up to 24
hours per day. As each exploration hole is completed, the drill rig would be moved to the next location
and reclamation would be completed. All areas disturbed by exploration operations would be reclaimed
to prevent or control environmental damage and return the areas to a stable configuration similar to the
original condition.
As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, the Forest Service is conducting scoping
for public comment. Comments will be used to determine the level of analysis and identify any issues
relating to this proposal. Concerns or issues should display points of dispute or debate relevant to the
plans of operations. Scoping comments received, including names and addresses of those who comment,
will be part of the public record on this proposal and available for public inspection.
For further information, to provide comment, or to be added to the mailing list for this project,
please contact Dan Seifert, at 6811 US Highway 212 South, Red Lodge, MT, 59068; by telephone at
(406) 446-2103, or by email: comments-northern-custer-beartooth@fs.fed.us. Project documents areavailable online at www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/?page=projects. Please provide comments or inputaddressing the plans of operations by August 2, 2010.