MONTANA MINING DAY PROCLAIMED ACROSS THE TREASURE STATE IN THE MINING CITY
Butte, Montana
Montana has long been known as the Treasure State, a place where rich mineral resources shaped communities, fueled economic growth, and forged the grit and ingenuity that define our history. Today, we honor that legacy—and the people who keep it alive—by launching the first Montana Mining Day, an annual celebration on February 9, 2026.
Today’s event, led by the Montana Mining Association’s Executive Director, Matt Vincent, celebrated Montana Mining Day and the innovation, stewardship, and hard work that continue to define the industry.
Matt Vincent—Montana Mining Association
Today is the very first recognized Montana Mining Day, where events are being held in Helena and Phillipsburg as well… But really, it makes perfect sense for us to be kicking off Montana Mining Day celebrations here in Butte, America—The Mining City and The Richest Hill on Earth.”
-Matt Vincent, Executive Director of the Montana Mining Association
The actual house bill was passed during the last legislative session and was sponsored by Representative Curtis Schomer, a former underground miner from the Stillwater Mine, along with 34 other sponsors. The bill was introduced on January 14, 2025, passed both houses, and was signed into law on February 27, 2025. February 9 was chosen to represent Montana Mining Day because on that day in 1865, our state became an official territory and adopted the motto “Oro-Y-Plata,” or “Gold and Silver,” when translated from Spanish.
This new statewide tradition highlights Montana’s enduring mining heritage and recognizes the essential role modern miners play in our economy and communities. From supporting local jobs to providing the raw materials that power everyday life, Montana’s mining industry remains a vital force shaping our future. Many well-known and new stakeholders gathered for today’s opening ceremony at the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse, highlighting Butte’s rich mining past, present, and future activities. Speakers included Dr. Johnny MacLean, Montana Technological University’s newest Chancellor; Mike McGivern, Vice President of Montana Resources; Travis Naugle, Silver Bow Mining CEO; Jason Quigley, Golden Sunlight Mine Operations Manager; Jeanette Kopf, Executive Director of the World Museum of Mining; J.P. Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive; and representatives from Senators Daines, Sheehy, and Zinke.
Jeanette Kopf—World Museum of Mining Executive Director
Dr. Johnny MacLean—Montana Tech Chancelor
Travis Naugle—Silver Bow Mining CEO
Jason Quigley—Golden Sunlight Mine Operations Manager
It’s a noble profession…You are making a product that enhances mankind, enhances society, and enhances civilization. It’s a job of purpose.
-Mike McGivern, Montana Resources Vice President
Mike McGivern—Montana Resources Vice President
As we celebrate the inaugural Montana Mining Day, there’s no better place to reflect on our mining heritage than Butte—where the story of modern American mining was written. The city’s legacy of hard work, innovation, and resilience has long inspired those who know what it means to build a community from the ground up. Today, that same spirit fuels excitement for the future. Montana Mining Day isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about opening doors for the next generation. By highlighting today’s modern, safe, and technologically advanced mining careers, this annual celebration aims to spark interest among young Montanans and encourage them to carry forward the proud traditions that places like Butte helped define.
Butte-Silver Bow’s Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher concluded the ceremony, reading off the proclamation making Montana Mining Day officially recognized in The Mining City.
I…do herby proclaim February 9, 2026, and each year thereafter as Montana Mining Day and I encourage all citizens to recognize and reflect upon them for the role of mining in our community and our state’s past, present, and future as witnessed here in this proclamation.
-J.P Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive
J.P. Gallagher—Butte-Silver Bow’s Chief Executive
Dave Stratton—WET AutoCAD Manager and Miner
And of course, no celebration of Montana Mining Day would be complete without shining a light on the people who keep this proud tradition alive. Mining isn’t just history—it’s a living heritage carried forward by folks who still feel the pull of the Treasure State’s rich ground. One of those people is Dave Stratton, a valued member of the WET team, whose connection to mining runs deeper than bedrock. When summer rolls around, Dave doesn’t just talk about Montana’s mining legacy—he lives it, heading out to operate his family’s small-scale gold placer mine and carrying that tradition forward across generations.
Being able to spend my weekends in the mountains doing what I love makes it all worth it.
-Dave Stratton, WET AutoCAD Manager
Mining is woven into Montana’s identity, and we’re proud to have Dave—and all those who make mining their career—write the next chapter of that story. Join us in spreading the word and showing your support by using the hashtag #MTminingday as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to a strong, sustainable future for Montana’s mining industry.
