PHILIPSBURG, Mont. — Montana's extensive mining history coined its nickname. The Treasure State. For generations, people have been flocking to find their own treasures near Philipsburg. At the Gem ...

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Bureau of Land Management has approved a five-year plan for sapphire mining in Lewis and Clark County. The McCune Bar sapphire mine will cover 6.1 acres about a quarter-mile ...

I have heard that sapphires can be found near Butte. Is this true? Where do they come from? — A Butte resident The answer to your first question is simple — yes. Your second question is an excellent ...

Cooney got involved as an environmental engineering consultant. He said American Gem tried to reopen the mine as a public dig in 2000, but had to shut down after just 41 days. That was the year the ...

HELENA — Federal mine safety officials say the owner of a central Montana sapphire mine was killed in March when rock loosened by underground blasting fell on him while he was stockpiling ore.