Key Mill tailings storage facility
We are reviewing a proposal from Echo Bay Minerals Company (a Kinross company) to increase the capacity of the Key Mill Facility, located about six miles east of Republic. The proposal would allow the facility to store an additional 5.5 million tons of processed mine material (called tailings), which would increase the total height of the existing tailings storage facility 75 feet above what is currently authorized. The increase in capacity would also extend the site’s operations for at least 9–12 more years.
We are preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to study how this expansion could affect the environment and nearby communities.
Project process and timeline
We are reviewing how adding more tailings might affect the stability of the facility, the surrounding views, and the health and safety of the area. The analysis also looks at how changing climate conditions may affect the facility over time.
The company is resuming operations and has requested in increase in their tailings disposal capacity. Ecology is required by law to carefully study possible impacts before making decisions.
There will be opportunities to learn more about the project and provide feedback in early 2026. We will release a draft study (Draft SEIS) in spring 2026 concurrent with public engagement.
We will review all public input before finalizing the study and making permit decisions.
Contact information
Karl Rains
Regional Planner
karl.rains@ecy.wa.gov
Stephanie May
Regional Communications Manager
stephanie.may@ecy.wa.gov