The Black Hills Preservation Project -- Protecting Our Land and Water Supply 💧

Custer SD Mining Impact Public Lands

Mining impacts on public lands near Custer, South Dakota, primarily involve gold and other hardrock mineral extraction in the Black Hills National Forest. These activities, which are highly controversial, raise significant concerns about environmental contamination, land degradation, and the disruption of tourism.

Controversial mining activities

Gold exploration: In June 2024, the Forest Service approved exploratory gold drilling west of Custer. The project, led by F3 Gold, involves drilling at dozens of sites and using heavy equipment to create temporary access routes and drill pads. The company is also pursuing additional drilling in the Pactola Reservoir area.
Active mining claims: As of October 2025, over 259,000 acres of active mining claims were in the Black Hills, a significant increase from previous years.
Cyanide use: Modern gold extraction, like that used at the Wharf Resources mine, involves processing rock with cyanide and other chemicals. This practice creates a high risk of spills and permanent landscape alteration, which is a major concern for environmental groups and local communities.

Environmental and community impacts

Water contamination: Mining is a large consumer of water, with exploration drilling alone requiring 5,000 to 10,000 gallons per day per drill. A major threat is the potential for contamination of local water sources, including French Creek and Stockade Lake. We have to recognize the fact that the proximity of this mining and drilling contaminates the surface water and aquifer (groundwater) which feeds our wells. The City of Custer and Custer County residents should oppose and stop the potential damage to our clean water wells. Join the List.
Past incidents, like the discharge of over 100 million tons of mine tailings into Whitewood Creek near Deadwood, have already caused heavy metal contamination.
Cultural and spiritual sites: The Black Hills are Lakota treaty lands and hold immense spiritual and historical significance for Native American tribes. Tribal leaders and Indigenous advocates strongly oppose new mining, citing the potential destruction of sacred sites and the historical trauma tied to resource extraction in the area.
Economic disruption: Mining activities could negatively affect the region's strong tourism and recreation industries, which attract millions of visitors annually. Concerns include disturbances to water, wildlife, cultural sites, and scenic landscapes.
Past environmental damage: Abandoned mining sites, like the Riley Pass Uranium Mine in Custer Gallatin National Forest, contain elevated concentrations of hazardous materials, including arsenic, radium, and uranium. Reclamation efforts at these sites are ongoing.

Regulatory and legal developments

Mining bans: In December 2024, the federal government approved a 20-year ban on new mining activity in a 32-square-mile area of the Black Hills surrounding the Pactola Reservoir. Local groups like the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance had advocated for the withdrawal, which could be renewed after two decades.
Federal vs. state regulations: The 1872 Mining Law, which enables the sale of public land for mineral extraction, has been criticized for being outdated. On federal lands within the Black Hills National Forest, mining companies must follow U.S. Forest Service rules, which can impose restrictions on activities. However, projects on private land are subject to state rules, which have been called less protective.
Public opposition: Public meetings about proposed projects have been met with overwhelming opposition from community members, tribal representatives, and environmentalists. Critics are urging the Forest Service to expand mining bans and impose a broader moratorium.

Custer, South Dakota

Black Hills Preservation Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

Black Hills Preservation Project

PO Box 9

Custer, SD 57730

Contact Email: blackhills@myyahoo.com

www.blackhillspreservationproject.org

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