TOWNSEND, Mont. — Gov. Greg Gianforte visited the Graymont Limestone Mine in Broadwater County on Monday as part of his annual 56-county tour, highlighting the impact of natural resource operations on the Treasure State's economy.
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“It’s important we celebrate our natural resource development here in the state," Gianforte said. "It's a key part of our economy.”
The Graymont Indian Creek Mine near Townsend has been operating in Broadwater County since 1982. Today, the quarry and processing plant run around the clock, producing materials used in water treatment, construction projects and more across the state.
Locally, officials say the mine’s biggest impact starts with jobs, noting that the operation is one of the largest employers in the county.
“The fact that we have family-wage-earning jobs here is really good," said Paul Liner, Graymont plant manager. "We’re very proud to be part of the community.”
Between Graymont and quarry services contractor Weave Industries, roughly 70 to 80 employees work at the site. Weave has partnered with the operation since 2000, moving nearly 5 million tons of material every year while focusing heavily on safety and responsible mining.
“I think we work together mainly in a safety capacity to make sure that all of our employees go home the same way they came to work, but also provide a good job," said Sam Buchanan, director of risk management and mining for Weave Industries.
During Monday’s tour, Gianforte got a firsthand look at the operation — from drilling sites preparing for blasting to rock crushing and the massive 1,800-degree kilns that turn limestone into lime products.
That lime is then used to help reduce pollutants and control pH levels in water and industrial operations throughout Montana, something the governor says strengthens the state's economy.
“We're seeing a resurgence of the Montana economy," Gianforte said. "We’re now the fifth fastest-growing economy in the U.S. in large part because of operations like this.”
The governor will conclude his 56-county tour on Tuesday in Lewis and Clark County.
