Final Environmental Impact Statement Is Completed

SPOKANE, WA - Mines Management, Inc. reported that on March 26, 2015, the United States Forest Service (USFS) announced completion and issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Montanore Project. Based on the agency’s analyses of issues considered throughout the review process, the USFS is also issuing a Draft Record of Decision (ROD) indicating its intent to authorize the Project. Completion of the Final EIS and Draft ROD signal commencement of the final phase of the permitting process for the Montanore Silver-Copper Project located in northwestern Montana.

Glenn M. Dobbs, Chairman and CEO, commented, The publication of the Final EIS is the culmination of ten years of technical and environmental analysis, including the completion and distribution of two Draft EIS's, and significant public input, all of which has been incorporated into the project plan. In light of the Montanore Projects original approvals in 1993, we are gratified the project is nearing conclusion of a prolonged process in which significant improvements have been made to the projects environmental footprint including mitigation to protect important water resources, wildlife and habitat. Development and operation of the Montanore Mine will result in enhancements to habitat and wetlands which otherwise would be impossible in the absence of the project and which will contribute to, and protect, the recovery of local threatened and endangered species which have struggled to gain a foothold for decades.

Dobbs stated further, Of great importance to the region, the build out of the Montanore Project would employ up to 500 people and result in a permanent production workforce of more than 300 people bringing a large annual payroll to Lincoln County which currently has an unemployment rate of 13%, the highest in the state and more than double the national average. The positive effects of the Montanore Mine on Libby and Lincoln County’s roads, schools, hospitals and health care, businesses and other infrastructure are incalculable. We are thrilled to have reached this point and are thankful for the unwavering support by members of the community, City and County Commissioners, members of the Legislature, the states Congressional delegation, as well as the significant work by some individuals within the State and Federal agencies overseeing the process. We are confident the remaining step in the permitting process will remain on track and conclude within the time allotted.

With publication of the Final EIS and Draft ROD, the project enters the final phase of agency authorization. Upon issuance of the Final ROD by the USFS and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Company will be authorized to commence activities for the project and, subject to meeting permit requirements and obtaining additional external financing, looks forward to resuming rehabilitation of the Libby Adit preparatory to underground evaluation and a bankable feasibility study required for financing the capital construction of the mine.