Montana Resources

Montana Resources

Tailings Storage Facility

The Yankee Doodle Tailings Impoundment (YDTI) was originally constructed in 1963 and comprises a valley-fill style impoundment created by a continuous rockfill embankment that, for descriptive purposes, is divided into three sections: the North-South Embankment, the East-West Embankment, and the West Embankment.

Aerial image of the Yankee Doodle Tailings Impoundment facility, showing YDTI Pond to the upper right, YDTI Beach in the center, and embankments at the bottom.

These embankments are the:

  • North-South Embankment – The North-South Embankment forms the eastern to southeastern limb of the YDTI and runs approximately north to south in orientation. The North-South Embankment abuts onto the base of Rampart Mountain, forming the eastern battery limit of the Montana Resources mine site.
  • East-West Embankment – The East-West Embankment forms the southwestern limb of the YDTI and runs approximately east to west in orientation. The East-West Embankment is constructed upstream of Horseshoe Bend and Berkeley Pit.
  • West Embankment – The West Embankment forms the western limb of the YDTI and runs approximately north to south in orientation. The West Embankment is constructed into the side of the West Ridge and forms the western battery limit of the facility.

In addition to tailings storage, YDTI performs two other key functions:

The design, construction, operation, maintenance, and surveillance of the YDTI involves a multidisciplinary team of professionals.  The team works closely together to achieve the fundamental objective of ongoing continuous improvement of the safety of the impoundment.  Mine operations are governed by a mine permit issued by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) pursuant to the terms of the Metal Mine Reclamation Act (MMRA).

Useful Links

Tailings Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance (TOMS) Manual

Regulatory Overview

Operating and Reclamation Plan

Amendment 10 (6450’)

Amendment 11 (RDS)

5-Year Bond Review

Annual Progress Reports for Operating Permit

DEQ Hard Rock Mine Bureau Inspections

Other Permits

Monitoring Reports and Data

Annual Inspection Report (AIR) and Corrective Action Plan

Tailings and Water Management Quarterly Reports

Piezometric Quarterlies

Data Analysis Reports

Risk Assessment