UM Study: Hardrock mining contributes $2.7 billion to Montana's economy

MISSOULA – Montana’s hardrock mining industry supports more than 12,000 permanent, year-round jobs with average annual earnings of $86,030, according to a new study released by the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

The BBER study, sponsored by the Montana Mining Association, found that the eight largest metal and other mines across the state helped produce $2.7 billio...