Independence Lead Mines Co. v. Hecla Mining Co.

TROUT, Justice.

This case involves a contract dispute between appellant Independence Lead Mines Company (Independence) and respondent Heela Mining Company (Hecla) relating to Hecla’s operations on mining claims it leased from Independence. Independence appeals the district court’s determinations that Heela did not materially breach any express provisions of the contract and that Hecla did not commit waste. Because we agree with the district court’s reasoning in its entirety, we affirm the district court’s decision.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

The Contract

In 1968, a lease agreement was…