Good Neighbor Agreement :: Northern Plains Resource Council

The Good Neighbor Agreement is a partnership among citizens in Stillwater and Sweet Grass counties and the Stillwater Mining Company, which operates two platinum/palladium mines in the area. Since it was signed in 2000, the agreement has allowed platinum and palladium mining to proceed while extending protections beyond state requirements to protect land, water, and area communities. The legally binding contract established a process for citizens to regularly meet with company representatives to address and prevent problems related to mining impacts, reclamation, wildlife, and other issues. It set aside land in conservation easements, instituted a program to reduce traffic on winding valley roads, and provided for independent environmental audits. The Good Neighbor Agreement has demonstrated that it’s possible to run a responsible, profitable mining operation while protecting natural resources.

Northern Plains helped negotiate the Agreement, along with our affiliates Cottonwood Resource Council, and Stillwater Protective Association.

Key provisions of the Good Neighbor Agreement

Provides for citizen oversight of mining operations to ensure protection of the area’s quality of life and productive agricultural land;
Establishes clear and enforceable water quality standards that go above and beyond state requirements;
Provides local communities with access to critical information about mining operations and the opportunity to address potential problems before they occur;
Ensures public safety and security while protecting the interest of miners through traffic plans designed to reduce mining traffic on country roads;
Raises the bar for environmental excellence by setting goals and objectives for developing new technologies. This is accomplished through a cooperative framework of third-party experts, the mining company, and local citizens.

The success of the Good Neighbor Agreement depends primarily on the volunteer efforts and commitment of local citizens. As with any contract, the Good Neighbor Agreement is only strong if it is enforced. Local members of Northern Plains and its affiliates work hard with mine representatives to ensure that the solutions envisioned by the Agreement become a reality.

What you can do

There are opportunities offered by the Agreement that are available:

Take part in citizen water sampling events;
For Northern Plains members – Assist in the efforts of the oversight or responsible mining technology committees.

If you are interested in working to support the agreement, or in volunteering, please email Caleb Lande or call 406-248-1154.