Opencut Mining

The Opencut Section reviews permit and amendment applications within its statutory timeframe to ensure Opencut minerals (bentonite, clay, scoria, soil materials, peat, sand or gravel) are extracted in accordance with the act and rules to ensure adequate protection of environmental resources and successful reclamation of the affected land back to a productive postmining land use.

If you believe you need a permit, applicable forms and instructions can be found by clicking the "Permitting and Operator Assistance" button. Contact us if you have questions or run into problems with any of the information. We're here to help!

Opencut Permits & Locations

To review the permit for an existing Opencut site, click the button below to visit DEQ's data portal where you can search Opencut permits.

Search Opencut Permits

Permitted Opencut site locations may be viewed using DEQ's web mapping application. Click the button below to view the map. If you experience issues viewing the application, it may help to try a different browser. For information on how to use the application, please view the instructional video, How to Use Opencut's Web Mapping Application.

View Permitted Opencut Locations

October 30^th, 2025 Opencut Mining Stakeholder Meeting

DEQ will hold an Opencut Mining Stakeholder Meeting on October 30^th, 2025, at 1:00 pm. There will be options to join this meeting in-person (2401 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT) and online (Zoom).  More details on where and how to join the meeting will be provided with the final agenda.

A broad draft agenda is below, and we are looking for feedback from stakeholders on topics of interest. Please respond to DEQOpencut@mt.gov with any requests for additional agenda items by Friday, October 10^th, 2025. A finalized agenda will be posted on the DEQ website before the meeting.

DRAFT AGENDA

• Introductions
• DEQ Update and Discussion
  • Staffing Update
  • Permitting
  • Bond Releases
  • Annual Production Reports
• Stakeholder Input
  • Future Topics

***Notice***

The Opencut Mining Section has temporarily moved to a new location while the Metcalf Building is being renovated. The new office is located in the Colonial Building at 

2401 Colonial Drive Helena MT 59601