Mining in the Black Hills

Mining in the Black Hills…

- Is happening.

- 18% of the BH is under mining claims (see map below).

- Solitario Zinc, is seeking permission from the US Forest Service to drill at least 23 sites (27,800acres) as part of its Golden Crest Project.

Location: West edge of Spearfish Canyon from Cheyenne Crossing to north of Bridal Veil Falls.

Forest Service is doing a short Environmental Assessment (waiting for results)

- This is just one of the many active claims in the BH currently (from different companies)

- This is all allowed based on a law made in the 1872 that pretty much says that mining takes precedence over EVERYTHING ELSE in the state of SD

- Right now, we are considered a ‘mining friendly’ state

- There are MANY international mining companies that come, mine, and leave us to deal with what’s left over (contaminated water, open cuts, etc.) – they do not have to pay royalties and are not obligated to financially assist with the clean-up.

What we can do now to protect:

Spread the word!

Write to leaders/people in power in our communities about the issue.

Specifically for the Golden Crest Project:

- Call the Northern Hills US Forest Service office at 605-642-4622 and ask them to complete a full ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT for the Golden Crest Project.

- Lawrence County Residents – contact the Lawrence County Commissioner at commissioners@lawrence.sd.us and ask them to protect the water, wildlife, tourism and small business.

- Currently there is a petition on bhcleanwateralliance.org to Steve Kozel (District Ranger, Northern Hills District, BH National Forest) available to sign.

- Any ideas/information/education to provide on the BH mining is welcome.

- Every letter and comment made regarding the drilling/mining has to be evaluated, considered and taken seriously, so this slows the process for the mining companies.

A valuable resource with information on mining in the BH is the bhcleanwateralliance.org website.

- Founded in the 1980’s to help protect BH water from mining

- Works with many special interest groups

- Has up to date information on active mining claims, the history of mining in the BH, resources to help make a change.

- Has regular meetings to help groups organize protest with a history of delaying mining for decades.

- Has information about how to publicly comment on the federal, state, county, municipality level.

-Written by Cali Terveen