Sheep Creek Rare Earth Minerals Exploration

planned

U.S. Critical Materials has proposed exploration for rare earth minerals on 3.9 acres at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River to assess feasibility of a full-scale mining operation. The project has faced strong opposition from the public and local officials due to environmental concerns. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is considering a memorandum of understanding to align state and federal permitting timelines for the project. The company rescinded its original proposal and refiled an application, which has not yet been made public. Environmental review and permitting are estimated to be complete by May 2027.