Feds to Mine Rare Earths in Black Hills Forest? Bear Lodge Bonanza!
Published Date: 7/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, through the Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest, intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose effects from the proposed Mine Plan of Operations (MPO), submitted by Rare Element Resources Inc. (proponent), for the development of the Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project. This EIS will evaluate potential impacts of the proposed open-pit mining for rare earth elements from National Forest System (NFS) lands and its associated infrastructure. The proposed action is expected to require a project-specific forest plan amendment to authorize deviation from existing visual standards and guidelines in the Black Hills Forest Plan. The Planning, Administrative Reviews, and Litigation System identification number for the project is #291093.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential water, air, and health harms
The EIS will evaluate potential hydrologic effects on stream channels, in-stream flows, water quality, and potential air quality impacts. The notice also flags public health and safety concerns from potential exposure to radioactive or hazardous elements via dust, water contamination, or road hazards.
More than $500M investment; local jobs
The proposed Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project represents a private investment in excess of $500 million and is expected to create about 240 direct and indirect jobs during construction and employ about 120 workers during the roughly 20-year operations period. Construction is estimated to take about two years and total time from construction through final reclamation is expected to be about 22 years.
Grazing allotments may be altered
The notice says construction and operation of the mine may alter grazing allotments that overlap the proposed project area, which could affect those who graze livestock on or adjacent to National Forest System lands.
Cultural sites and Tribal Nations affected
The Forest Service will evaluate potential impacts of construction and mining operations on cultural sites or historic properties important to Tribal Nations. The project could affect those sites if operations overlap them.
Project on FAST-41 permitting dashboard
The Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project is a 'covered project' under FAST-41, meaning federal permitting timetables for the project will be published on the Permitting Council's public dashboard and the project will have an associated FAST-41 permitting timetable.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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