URANIUM EXPLORATION THREATENS CRAVEN CANYON AREA.

Public Comment Opportunity to protect this Seven Thousand Year old Archeological site sacred to the Oceti Sakowin and surrounding tribal nations — Comments are Due May 14

“Clean” Nuclear Energy Corp. (CNEC), a subsidiary of Basin Uranium, has applied to the State of South Dakota to explore for radioactive uranium in Fall River County, north of Edgemont in an area near the rim of Craven Canyon.

What’s so special about Craven Canyon?

Craven Canyon, April 2025. BHCWA

Craven Canyon and surrounding areas contain rock art and other artifacts that are up to seven thousand years old, and are of inestimable cultural, archeological, and scientific value. A small mineral claims withdrawal (+/-160 acres) protects some sites, but many more artifacts and sites of interest have been found in unprotected areas in and around the Canyon.

CNEC’s project on state lands would involve 50 drill platforms near the rim of the canyon, with drilling depths up to 700 feet. Each hole could take up to two weeks to drill, and the activities would be seen and heard within the Canyon, where ceremony and study continue to this day.

WHAT CAN I DO? COMMENT! INTERVENE!

Comment or intervene on the project by May 14. Send your comments about this project to the State Board of Minerals & Environment today. Tell your friends!

Tell them who you are, where you’re from, and why you care about protecting the Craven Canyon area.

  • 2) Become an intervenor: SD law allows YOU, your organization, tribe, or local government to participate in the hearings — asking questions, presenting evidence, and questioning witnesses.

Organizations & governments need an attorney, but individuals do not. A simple petition letter MUST be sent by USPS mail to:

Minerals, Mining, and Superfund Program

523 East Capitol Avenue

Pierre, South Dakota 57501-3182

  • Send a copy to the applicant: Resident Agent: Clean Nuclear Energy Corp. CT Corporation System, 319 S Coteau St, Pierre, SD 57501
  • Petitions (letters) of intervention are DUE May 14th. Retain a copy of the letter for your records.

If you need help or have questions, please email DRA Organizer Rebecca Terk at: rebeccat@dakotarural.org

You can find more detailed information about becoming an Intervener HERE.

PROTECT THE FUTURE OF BLACK HILLS WATER – DONATE HERE.

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