This page is to keep you informed about those mining projects which are subject to the Federal Level scoping and permitting processes, deadlines, and information.
Note: If you have trouble finding a project and status on the Forest Service website go to their SOPA page. Click HERE.
The comment period for the proposed Ponderosa Exploratory drilling project has ended.
We’re again impressed by the community’s engagement. Within 30 days, 1,774 comments were submitted, with the majority opposing the project. The Spearfish community, through the Common Council, passed a unanimous “Resolution 2025-40, opposing the project without further study and Conclusions from an Environmental Impact Statement.”
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Ponderosa Exploration Drilling Project #64551
Scoping notice was published 6/20/25. Comments are requested through 7/21/2025 11:59:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time). https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=64551
To review the online comments submitted go to the Project’s Reading Room HERE.
The Northern Hills District of Black Hills National Forest has released information for the proposed Ponderosa gold drilling project, with a 30-day comment period. Your comments are due by July 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Mountain Standard Time).
Spearfish Canyon, nestled in the northern Black Hills, is cherished as “one of the premier national landscapes in America.” This majestic Canyon is designated as a Scenic Byway. People who love the Black Hills have been working to protect the Canyon and Spearfish Creek for a long time. Now it’s our turn, and your help is needed!
The Ponderosa project would be located in an area that channels water into Spearfish Creek. While most of the project is southwest of Cheyenne Crossing, there are six proposed drill pads on the northwest edge of Forest Service-controlled lands near Tinton.
Will you Help Protect Water and this Beautiful Landscape?
The Ponderosa project would include 49 (POO was amended on April 23, 2025) drill pads with multiple holes that could be drilled from each pad, and drilling could be vertical or at an angle to a depth of as much as 3,281 feet. Drilling would take place 24 hours a day, 5 to 7 days a week. Increased lighting and traffic, including regular pickup and water truck travel, would disrupt the wildlife and the peaceful quiet of the area. Additionally, this drilling would be disruptive because the border of the Ponderosa project lies 1.1 miles from tribally controlled land that is used ceremonially throughout the year.
This project threatens —
- the natural environment (water, trails, wildlife, land)
- the economy of the area, which is reliant upon outdoor recreation and tourism
- tribal cultural resources
- human social and physical health.
The Ponderosa Project 30-day comment period is officially open. Use the link or QR Code to send your comments to the Forest Service.
To comment, go to https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=64551 and complete the brief form. You don’t need to type an essay (unless you want to), but DO —
- Include why you are interested in this proposed project
- Say you want the Forest Service to do an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this project (this is the most thorough environmental review)
- Mention potential impacts of this project that you think should be avoided (cultural and historical resources, environmental impacts (especially water), recreation, economic, etc.)
- Ask for the comment period to be extended by 60 days
- Use your own words – do not copy this wording
Or your written hardcopy comments can be mailed to Ponderosa Project, Northern Hills Ranger District, 2014 North Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783. Be sure it is postmarked by July 21.
With gold prices at all-time highs, interest in new gold mining is also increasing. Gold is not a strategic or critical mineral, and the United States does not need more – it currently exports gold. Gold serves primarily as a store of value and as materials for jewelry. It is easily recyclable, and there is no need to dig up more.
To see more Forest Service documents about this project, go to Black Hills National Forest | Project Summary (#64551) | Forest Service
To review the online comments submitted go to the Project’s Reading Room HERE. Already submitted and forgot to mention something? If needed, you can submit several times, but your comments will be combined and counted as one.
Click HERE for the Plan of Opporation. Below is the POO Amendment submitted on April 23, 2025.
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Black Hills Clean Water Alliance 