Operations

Montana Resources has operated the Continental Pit since 1986, providing domestically sourced copper and molybdenum to the United States and the rest of the world.

Mining the Continental Pit

Since 1986

Delivering High Quality Metal Concentrates

From earth to railcar or truck, the path for metal concentrates involves many distinct mechanical and chemical processes, all overseen by skilled personnel. Montana Resources produces material for the things utilized in everyday life – cell phones, appliances, cars and more – as well as the essential materials for infrastructure, national security, energy and emerging technology. Montana Resources prioritizes well-maintained equipment and strategic investment in efficient machinery. Above all, safety and environmental protection are central to every step of its mining operation.

400+

EMPLOYEES

15.7M TONS

ORE PROCESSED PER YEAR

24 / 365

WHEN WE OPERATE

A Safe & Refined Process

The path for metal concentrates from earth to railcar or truck involves many separate processes, mechanical and chemical, overseen by trained personnel.

Step 1

DRILL

Rotary drills bore 48 foot holes, 9-7/8 inches in diameter, into the granite host rock.

Step 2

ASSAY

Drill cuttings are assayed to verify composition.

Step 3

BLAST

Drill holes are loaded with explosives to blast and fracture the rock.

Step 4

LOAD

Electric shovels load ore into haul trucks.

Step 5

HAUL

Ore is hauled to the crusher in 240 ton capacity trucks. Non-ore material goes to a designated repository.

Step 6

CRUSH

Primary and secondary crushers reduce large chunks of raw ore to under six inches and then to three-quarters of an inch, respectively.

Step 7

MILL

The crushed ore is routed through rod mills and ball mills where it is pulverized to a fine powder. Water is added to the process which makes the pulverized rock slurry.

Step 8

EXTRACT

The slurry is pumped into flotation cells in the concentrator where lime and other chemicals are added to liberate the metal sulfides. Molybdenum & copper is extracted, separated and dried.

Step 9

TRANSPORT

Molybdenum concentrate is bagged & transported to roasting facilities in the US. Copper concentrate is loaded into 100 ton rail cars and shipped to smelters in North America and overseas.

Step 10

RECLAIM

Water used in the process is recycled back into the mill circuit and disturbed land undergoes reclamation and revegetation.

Uses of Copper & Molybdenum

Infrastructure

Due to their super-strength, molybdenum steels are used in the construction of large structures like skyscrapers and bridges.

National Security

The strength of molybdenum alloy metals are ideal for producing armor plating for the nation’s armored vehicles, missiles and aircraft parts.

Technology

Molybdenum act as the basis of ultra-thin, energy efficient televisions, chemical sensors, mobile devices, smart home systems and hybrid cars.

Electrical & Connectivity

Copper plays a vital role in home construction, electrical wiring, and plumbing. It also enables efficient power and data transmission, forming the backbone of high-speed internet connectivity.

Renewable Energy

With its resistance to corrosion and stress, molybdenum alloys are used in wind turbines and can be found in solar panels.

Medical Devices

Imaging tools, X-rays, CT Scans and MRIs are some of the medical technologies that utilize copper.

Operations Related Documents