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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16965, Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation
The USDA wants to cancel the 2001 Roadless Rule that stopped road building and logging in special forest areas. This change gives local forest managers more freedom to decide how to care for these lands based on local needs. People have until September 21, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could affect how forests are managed and how money is spent on these lands.
2026-20512, Purchaser Credit on Timber Sale Contracts
The Forest Service is cleaning up old rules about timber sale credits that ended back in 1999. This update removes outdated regulations that no longer apply, so the rules are clearer and simpler. If you’re involved in timber sales on National Forest lands, nothing changes for you now, but the new rule kicks in on November 5, 2026.
2026-18765, Mount Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands; New Mexico; Roca Honda Mine Project
The Forest Service is starting a review of the Roca Honda Mine Project, a plan to build and run an underground uranium mine in New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest and nearby lands. They want your thoughts by October 14, 2026, before deciding if the project can move forward. The full environmental report will be ready by January 2028, and this project could change how the forest is managed.
2026-18244, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Cleveland National Forest is proposing to establish two special recreation permits. Proposed recreation fees collected at the proposed special recreation permit sites would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar special recreation uses in the area.
2026-18246, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The Ashley National Forest wants to start charging fees at two fun spots: Kaler Hollow Group Campground and Uinta Guard Station. Groups can expect to pay $50 or $70 per night, with fees helping improve the sites and services. If approved, these fees will kick in at least six months after this notice, and you can book your spot online or by phone with a small reservation fee.
2026-18240, Proposed Recreation Fee Sites
The El Yunque National Forest is proposing to establish several recreation pass options and a special recreation permit. Proposed recreation fees collected for the proposed recreation passes and for the proposed special recreation permit would be used for operation, maintenance, and improvement of the sites and the special recreation use covered by the proposed special recreation permit. An analysis of nearby recreation fee sites and special recreation uses with similar amenities shows that the proposed recreation fees are reasonable and typical of similar recreation fee sites and special recreation uses in the area.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15253, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Introduce a Data Vendor Program
Cboe BZX Exchange is launching a new Data Vendor Program to clearly define who data vendors and service providers are, making rules easier to understand. This change affects companies that distribute market data and sets clear responsibilities, with the new rules effective immediately. It’s a smart move to keep data flowing smoothly and fairly, with no surprise costs or delays.
Next: 2026-15257, Proposed Collection; Comment Request
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Navy announces the proposed extension of an approved public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.