Bull Hill Mine in NE WY on Black Hills National Forest - Anyone Know Anything?

[COEngineer]

I just became aware of this proposed mining operation in the Black Hills NF. I know we all use/need minerals, but just want to make sure this is the right place for 132 acres of surface disturbance for at least several decades. Detailed info here: https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/6i43uo2uqtfxpxai10is96yvqui5vyuq/file/2376483887865

 

[Wyoming270]

Black Hills National Forest : Press Release - Forest Service seeks public comment on proposed Rare Element Resources, Ltd. project

(SUNDANCE, WY, July 28, 2026) — The Black Hills National Forest will submit a notice of intent to be published

www.fs.usda.gov

Its a rare earth minerals mine. Public comment is open. Lots of new exotic mineral mines going in these days. There is a new nickel mine exploration going on north of jeffrey city currently.

I wouldnt be too worried about it personally. All of the areas i hunt are covered in mines that predate the usfs. Some of them are quite large operations. Some of these open pit mines create their own unique habitats as little as a decade after they close. ive even seen a few hunting clubs buy old pit mines.

 

[Wyoming270]

Get a job at that mine and then you can make good money and live in the black hills where you can hunt out your back door. To me thats a win/win

 

[Forkyfinder]

Look like 17 years based on the duration outlined in RER's document. What i didnt see - anything about a reclamation bond.

While it is only around 100 acres - some of the concern id have would be resoration of the pit. Not sure how deep it will go but it reads to me like the pit is intended to be left - might not be a great drainage feature. I dont have any ecological knowledge of what causes issues with mines but i would be concerned if it were just left as an open pit.

My comment is going to suggest returning the base elevation of the pit to its existing condition or at least to one that could have been of natural occurence and not an obvious mining site. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

Seperate from this - but worth pointing out precious metals receive 0 royalty fees unlike coal mining, timber sales, etc.

 

[Wyoming270]

Look like 17 years based on the duration outlined in RER's document. What i didnt see - anything about a reclamation bond.

While it is only around 100 acres - some of the concern id have would be resoration of the pit. Not sure how deep it will go but it reads to me like the pit is intended to be left - might not be a great drainage feature. I dont have any ecological knowledge of what causes issues with mines but i would be concerned if it were just left as an open pit.

My comment is going to suggest returning the base elevation of the pit to its existing condition or at least to one that could have been of natural occurence and not an obvious mining site. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

Seperate from this - but worth pointing out precious metals receive 0 royalty fees unlike coal mining, timber sales, etc.

Rare earth minerals are not precious metals.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Rare earth minerals are not precious metals.

Ok....?

The point is that there are no royalty fees.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

Look like 17 years based on the duration outlined in RER's document. What i didnt see - anything about a reclamation bond.

There is mention of Rec Bond being calculated and requiring approval of the various agencies. They just haven't calc'ed it yet because it's value will change over time.

While it is only around 100 acres - some of the concern id have would be resoration of the pit. Not sure how deep it will go but it reads to me like the pit is intended to be left - might not be a great drainage feature. I dont have any ecological knowledge of what causes issues with mines but i would be concerned if it were just left as an open pit.

The current plan is to leave the pit and allow it to fill with water and remain as a lake.

Seperate from this - but worth pointing out precious metals receive 0 royalty fees unlike coal mining, timber sales, etc.

This needs to change.

 

[Forkyfinder]

The current plan is to leave the pit and allow it to fill with water and remain as a lake.

Is that explicitly stated somewhere and i missed it? It seems implied but a person has to know what they are reading and i didnt want to assume with out being certain.

They just haven't calc'ed it yet because it's value will change over time.

Can you explain that a bit more - i think i know why/how but im not sure.

This needs to change.

Absolutely. It seems like a very low bar to get a small chunk at least to match the other public resources we give away.

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

Is that explicitly stated somewhere and i missed it? It seems implied but a person has to know what they are reading and i didnt want to assume with out being certain.

6.0 Page 33. Its very generic but I can assure you a Rec Bond will be required and the operator will be required to demonstrate proper funding for reclamation activities every year.

Can you explain that a bit more - i think i know why/how but im not sure.

The Rec Bond is based on current distirbance and cost to cleanup if the company went Bye-Bye today. It is calculated yearly. The State of Wyo provides all operators with $/unit values to use in your Rec Bond. These are based on current Third-Party costs to perform this work. The operator uses this Guideline from WYDEQ to calculate the current total cost of cleanup should the State be required to step in and perform the reclamation work. There is considerable contingency added to these costs. Not all States use the same source for unit costs or contingency. MT is very high, relative to Wyo. Assuming RER has disturbed nothing to date, the required Rec Bond would be $0. The Rec Bond required in year 1 will be based on expected disturbance that year.

Absolutely. It seems like a very low bar to get a small chunk at least to match the other public resources we give away.

Agree. Hardrock has been getting a much greater free pass than other resources. Getting this changed is not a bet I would be willing to take.

 

[Forkyfinder]

6.0 Page 33. Its very generic but I can assure you a Rec Bond will be required and the operator will be required to demonstrate proper funding for reclamation activities every year.

I was referring to the reclamation topography - specifically the lake you mentioned.

The Rec Bond is based on current distirbance and cost to cleanup if the company went Bye-Bye today. It is calculated yearly. The State of Wyo provides all operators with $/unit values to use in your Rec Bond. These are based on current Third-Party costs to perform this work. The operator uses this Guideline from WYDEQ to calculate the current total cost of cleanup should the State be required to step in and perform the reclamation work.

Even on federal land?

 

[WyoCoalMiner]

I was referring to the reclamation topography - specifically the lake you mentioned.

Sorry about that. 6.5.1 pg 35-36

Even on federal land?

Yes. Especially on Fed land however, the same work and cost is required on Private land. The amount of reclamation required is based on the anticipated Post Mine land use. Post Mine land use has to be approved by the landowner (BLM, FS, etc.) and the State agency.