Sheep Creek Mine And The Fight To Protect The Bitterroot River

Time isn't slowing the anger Bitterroot Valley residents are feeling over a proposal to develop a rare-earth elements mine in the headwaters of the Bitterroot River.

If anything, a meeting in Hamilton this week shows the opposition to the Sheep Creek Mine is getting more active, with over 500 people showing up at a community meeting to get tips on participating in a new, 30-day comment period for the project…

"We're kicking off the public comment period with a showing of community force, hundreds of people who are prepared to take care of this place" Moderator, "Don't Pollute the 'Root" meeting

U.S Critical Materials wants permission for exploratory work on the site up the West Fork of the Bitterroot, claiming the site, which has been dormant for years, is the "highest grade rare earth deposit in the U.S." The company has been using the current "fast track" process for the federal government to expedite mine development.

Opposition getting stronger, more organized

But the "Don't Pollute the Root" campaign is gaining momentum, with Ravalli County commissioners also showing opposition, saying USCM has "failed" with earlier promises to work with the community.

County Commissioner Dan Hulse accused the company of completely ignoring local concerns expressed at a heated meeting last winter, reneging on promises to work more with the community. He said the board hadn't heard from the company until it moved to approve a letter of opposition last week.

"As of that day, U.S. critical minerals had failed our community. BCC had not heard from them at all until our other meeting was scheduled. They have failed us," Hulse told the audience.

30-day comment period

The county echoes the concerns of local conservation groups and residents, who say the Sheep Creek Mine will destroy water quality in the Bitterroot River, impacting everything from recreation and guide services to agriculture.

Electronic comments must be submitted by visiting the project website. Under the Get Connected tab, click on Comment/Object on Project on the right side of the page.
Comments are also being accepted through the Sheep.Creek.Comments@usda.gov email inbox.