Published: March 2, 2026 |

[Click image to enlarge]

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) has completeed federal permitting for the Becky’s Mine Modification project.

The Bridger, Montana-based project will mine for bentonite, a versatile resource essential to American industries ranging from agriculture and construction to animal health and pharmaceuticals.

“Congratulations to the Bureau of Land Management and the American Colloid Company (ACC) for their work to get this mining project to the permitting finish line,” said Emily Domenech, Permitting Council Executive Director.

“This project is the 11th mining project to finish federal permitting, and is another success story for the Permitting Council’s Transparency Dashboard,” added Domenech.

“MTI appreciates the inclusion of the Becky mine modification on the FAST-41 project list,” said Douglas Dietrich, chairman and chief executive officer of Minerals Technologies, ACC’s parent company.

“This recognition provides us with the opportunity to revisit this site, complete mining operations, and deploy our comprehensive remediation approach to properly reclaim this land for its pre-mine uses of livestock grazing, recreation, and as a wildlife habitat,” added Dietrich.

Added to FAST-41 in response to the executive order on Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, the Becky’s Mine Modification project received FAST-41 transparency status in May of 2025.

“I’m thrilled to see the Becky’s Mine Modification Project complete federal permitting today. This project promises to create high-paying jobs, support local families, and strengthen Montana’s economy while reinforcing our state’s leadership in responsible natural resource production,” said Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT).

“I’m grateful for the work of the Permitting Council and the Trump administration to fast track this project and unleash made in Montana energy,” added Downing.

This project is sponsored by American Colloid Company, a Minerals Technologies company. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management served as the lead federal permitting agency.

Learn more about this project on the Federal Permitting dashboard HERE.

MTI’s American Colloid Company (ACC) is well known for establishing the global standard for premium foundry-grade bentonite and green sand molding materials for the metalcasting industry since 1927. Their high-quality product solutions, paired with a global network of technical support specialists, provide foundries with a unique solutions package unlike competing companies. They serve customers with a unique ability to evaluate foundry operations, diagnose problems, and provide high-quality customized solutions, that delivers an added level of value and service above and beyond other product providers. Their solutions are formulated to enhance casting production and performance and are used worldwide by both small and large-scale metalcasting foundries. The complete product range consists of bentonites, customized performance blends, chromite sand, cellulose, and specialty carbonaceous materials, in addition to specialty metal treatments for non-ferrous foundries.

The Permitting Council coordinates federal environmental reviews and authorizations for projects that seek and qualify for FAST-41 coverage. FAST-41 covered projects are entitled to comprehensive permitting timetables and transparent, collaborative management of those timetables on the Federal Permitting Dashboard. FAST-41 covered projects may be in the energy production, electricity transmission, energy storage, surface transportation, aviation, ports and waterways, water resource, broadband, pipelines, manufacturing, mining, carbon capture, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, high-performance computing and advanced computer hardware and software, quantum information science and technology, data storage and data management, and cybersecurity sectors.

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!

CLICK HERE to register your email address.

Copyright © 2026 Mining Connection LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

For licensing permission, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)