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.