County, DEQ seek takeover of Montana Tunnels Mine

Correction: The original story indicated that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality could seek ownership of the Montana Tunnels mine through a reclamation bond for the mine, possibly putting the agency in competition with the county for ownership of the mine. After publication, the DEQ clarified that the agency can seize the mine permit but is not seeking ownership of the mine itself. The story has been updated.

Jefferson County could become the next owner of the Montana Tunnels Mine, a large open-pit mine near Corbin, west of Jefferson City, and the state Department of Environmental Quality may take over the mine’s permit.

According to County Commission Chairman Leonard Wortman, the commission is considering seeking a tax deed on the mine, which produced gold, silver, zinc and lead, but hasn’t operated since 2008 and owes the county about $7.7 million in unpaid taxes.