The US Forest Service has given the Golden Crest gold exploration project permission to move ahead.  The company – Solitario Resources — expects to start drilling in the area just west of Spearfish Canyon in June.

Because the 1872 Mining Law gives anyone permission to explore on federal lands, if they have a mining claim, opposing exploration is difficult.  However, the public did a great job of letting the Forest Service know that they oppose this project, with over 1500 comments filed – the vast majority against the project.  This also lets mining companies know that they will have a long fight if they try to explore or mine in the Black Hills! 

The project’s location immediately upstream from Spearfish Canyon is particularly problematic.  First, exploration drilling has harmed both surface and ground water in other locations.  Second, it is a prime recreation area for mountain bikers, hikers, hunters, and others.  

In addition, the public is mobilized against this project, which will be important if the company decides it wants to mine at some point.  The company – or another company that gains control of the project – would have to get federal, state, and county approval for potential mining.

Next, attention will turn to Solitario’s larger proposed gold exploration drilling project immediately south of Cheyenne Crossing, the Ponderosa project.  Hopefully, the public will give at least as large a response opposing the Ponderosa project as it did for the Golden Crest project.  Every public comment must be processed by the Forest Service.  Public comments also give people legal rights in later parts of the permitting process.

Onward!

Below is the Forest Service’s Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact document.