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The Black Hills Preservation Project -- Protecting Our Land and Water Supply 💧
AI Overview from Google
Historical and proposed mining activity near Spearfish, South Dakota, has significantly impacted public lands through water contamination, land degradation, and the disruption of recreational areas. The Black Hills National Forest, which includes Spearfish Canyon, is central to these concerns, affecting water quality, ecosystems, and cultural sites sacred to the Lakota people.
Water contamination
Acid mine drainage: Abandoned and historic gold mines in the Black Hills, including tributaries of Spearfish Creek, are known to contribute acid and heavy metals to streams. This is caused by water and oxygen reacting with exposed minerals like pyrite.
Heavy metals: Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have found elevated levels of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and selenium in Spearfish Creek, in excess of safe environmental and drinking water standards.
Cyanide spills: Historic cyanide leaks from mining operations, such as the former Richmond Hill mine, have directly affected Spearfish Creek, requiring cleanup efforts.
Ongoing risk: Modern gold extraction methods, which use cyanide and heavy equipment, continue to pose a risk of chemical spills and long-term water contamination.
Land and landscape impacts
Habitat damage: Open-pit mining scars the landscape and can permanently alter or destroy habitats. The practice involves stripping away topsoil and vegetation, reducing the land's ability to absorb water and buffer against climate change.
Recreational area loss: Proposals for new exploratory drilling and mining, such as the Ponderosa project and plans by Dakota Gold, have sparked opposition over potential impacts to popular mountain biking and hiking trails on public land. Concerns exist that mining companies will restrict access to these trails if operations proceed.
Visual disturbance: Exploratory drilling involves clearing drill pads and using heavy equipment, which creates temporary visual and noise disturbances in scenic areas like Spearfish Canyon.
Current situation and proposed projects
Exploratory drilling: Several companies, including Solitario Resources and Dakota Gold, have proposed or are currently conducting exploratory drilling on public land in the Black Hills near Spearfish Canyon.
Proposed mine: A proposed large-scale open-pit, heap-leach mine near Richmond Hill, which drains into Spearfish Canyon, would completely strip the landscape and use cyanide.
Federal response: In December 2024, a 20-year ban on new mining activities was approved for part of the Black Hills near Pactola Reservoir, but this does not cover the entire area with mining claims. The Forest Service has emphasized its obligation to permit mineral exploration on federal lands.
Advocacy: Organizations like the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance and Native American tribes are actively campaigning against new mining projects, citing potential threats to water quality, ecosystems, and cultural sites.
Join us in working to prevent commercial mining on public lands
in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Help us preserve our land and drinking water
and the natural beauty of the Black Hills by signing our petition.
Please Donate
Please Donate
To Prevent Commercial Mining On Public Lands In The Black Hills of South Dakota.
To Prevent Commercial Mining On Public Lands In The Black Hills of South Dakota.
Send Your Check to:
Black Hills Preservation Project
PO Box 9
Custer, SD 57730
Copyright © 2025 Black Hills Preservation Project
Custer, South Dakota
Black Hills Preservation Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
©2025 Black Hills Preservation Project. All rights reserved.
Black Hills Preservation Project
PO Box 9
Custer, SD 57730
Contact Email: blackhills@myyahoo.com
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