Black Butte Copper Progress
Sandfire Resources America Files Preliminary Feasibility Study for Montana's Black Butte Copper Project
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Sandfire Resources America Inc. has filed an independent Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) for its Black Butte Copper Project in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, according to National Post. The PFS, dated July 28, 2026, marks a key step toward developing what the company calls a modern, environmentally responsible underground copper mine.
The study was prepared by a team of five independent technical experts across disciplines including geology, engineering, and hydrology, Edmonton Sun reported. The company says it aims to deliver long-term benefits to shareholders, local communities, and the State of Montana.
Five Independent Experts Built the Feasibility Study
The PFS was not produced in-house. Sandfire America hired five separate qualified professionals to write it, according to Toronto Sun. Deepak Malhotra, Ph.D., of DM Consulting LLC led the work. He was joined by Berkley Tracy of SRK Consulting, Shane McLeay of Entech Pty Ltd., Patrick Williamson of INTERA Inc., and Tom Parrott of Entec Pty LLC.
Each expert brought a different specialty. SRK Consulting focused on geology. INTERA Inc. covered hydrology. Entech and Entec handled engineering, Fairview Post noted. Using independent consultants adds credibility to the study's findings and is standard practice for major mining projects seeking regulatory and investor approval.
Black Butte Project Targets Underground Copper in Montana
The Black Butte Copper Project sits near White Sulphur Springs in central Montana. The project is designed as an underground mine, which typically causes less surface disturbance than open-pit mining. Sandfire America has positioned the project as environmentally responsible, Daily Herald Tribune reported.
Montana is home to a long mining history, but new projects face close environmental scrutiny. By filing a PFS — a study that checks whether a project is technically and financially workable — Sandfire America moves one step closer to a full construction decision, according to Brantford Expositor.
Where to Find the Full Study and What Comes Next
The full PFS is available on Sandfire America's website and on SEDAR+, Canada's official filing system for public companies, Cochrane Times Post reported. Filing on SEDAR+ means investors and regulators can review every detail of the technical findings.
A PFS sits between an early-stage scoping study and a full feasibility study. Companies typically use it to refine cost estimates and engineering plans before committing to a final build decision. Sandfire America has not yet announced a timeline for a full feasibility study or a construction start, according to Goderich Signal Star.
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