The controversy stems from plans by Ascot Resources to expand exploratory drilling northwest of Mount St. Helens in Skamania County. The Canadian company, which holds mining rights in the region, began drilling within its claims in 2010 before a lawsuit halted those plans last year. Ascot also has applied for a permit to conduct exploratory drilling beyond its claims that’s the application now under review.
http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/mar/03/mining-company-asks-to-drill-near-mount-st-helens/