EDGEMONT, S.D. – A proposed uranium mine in the southern Black Hills has taken a step forward in the state permitting process, while a separate uranium exploration project remains on hold.
The South Dakota Minerals and Environment Board has approved a request by Powertech, a subsidiary of enCore Energy, to commission a socioeconomic impact study for the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine near Edgemont. The study will evaluate potential economic, environmental and community impacts of the project, including effects on jobs, water quality and land use.
The proposed mine would cover nearly 20 square miles in Custer and Fall River counties and would use an in-situ mining process that extracts uranium through underground wells. Supporters say the project could bring economic benefits, while opponents have raised concerns about potential groundwater contamination.
Meanwhile, a separate proposal by Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation to conduct exploratory uranium drilling in the southern Black Hills remains stalled. The board is seeking guidance from a state judge regarding a new South Dakota law that requires language interpretation services in certain government proceedings.
The drilling proposal has drawn opposition from residents and tribal members who say the project could affect cultural sites, interfere with Lakota ceremonies and impact groundwater resources. A federal lawsuit related to interpretation services provided during an earlier hearing is still pending.
No final decisions have been made on either uranium project.
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