Communities are talking to communities in Butte when it comes to mining, and the boom and bust cycles that come with it.
That's exactly why more than 200 participants are in Butte for the National Summit of Mining Communities at the Finlen Hotel. This is the fourth year for the event, and the second year it's being held in Butte.
The event kicked off bright and early on Tuesday morning with opening remarks by Kevin Mellott, Chairman of the National Summit of Mining Communities.
"What's going on in Mining today is different than 20 years ago. I think that's an important step for communities to know...though we are dealing with some of the issues mistakes of mining in the past. What are the mining companies doing today to not only rectify that but to make it not happen again?"
The summit will also touch on historic preservation, remediation and mining companies working with communities on economic development.
One mining company working to mitigate any potential impact to a nearby small town when the mine has run it's course is Barrick Golden Sunlight Mine outside of Whitehall.
The Environmental Superintendent of the mine, Mark Thompson, gave an update at the mining summit on the life extension and operations of Golden Sunlight. He says with the help of strong gold prices, projected gold production at the mine will continue through 2015.
As a result of the development, the company is working with the community to prepare for the day when the mine closes, in an effort to find ways to attract businesses that will absorb lost jobs and tax revenue.
"The big project we have going on right now is development of a business park on mine lands" explained Thompson. "We leased to local development corporation to try to draw in businesses into Jefferson County and the Whitehall area, and can replace jobs and tax base. The other project that is in it's infancy is wind power generation that is an excellent sustainable use for reclaimed mine lands, as well as good paying jobs."
A community transition advisory committee has also been formed to address economic development in Whitehall.
The Mining Summit will wrap up on Thursday. For more information on the event's schedule, click here.
