Tailings Storage Facility
Yankee Doodle Tailings Impoundment (YDTI)
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:
- 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: 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: 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.
YDTI key functions
Operational Storage
Storage for tailings and process water from the milling and floatation circuit
Water Treatment
Water management at the YDTI, including further treatment and residence time, is a key component to supporting off-site discharge through the Butte Mine Flooding Operable Unit (BMFOU) remedy. Learn more about the Berkeley Pit Water Treatment Process.
The YDTI Team
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).