RER mine proposal studied — Final environmental review expected in 2027
The Black Hills National Forest will study the potential effects of Rare Element Resources’ proposed Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project, and the public has until Aug. 28 to comment on the company’s plan.
The U.S. Forest Service expects to publish a final environmental impact statement in late 2027. It will not first publish a draft environmental impact statement or conduct an objection process before the final decision, according to the Federal Register notice.
“If fully implemented, the project represents a private investment in excess of $500 million, expected to boost economic growth in Weston and Crook Counties, WY and surrounding communities,” the notice said. “Rare Element Resources, Ltd. anticipates creating about 240 direct and indirect jobs during construction and employing 120 workers during the approximate 20-year operational period.”
Weston County is among the state, federal and local agencies participating in the environmental review.
According to a July 28 press release from the Forest Service, RER plans to develop an open-pit mine on about 260 acres of National Forest System land.
As the News Letter Journal previously reported, the project was accepted into the FAST-41 program, a federal initiative intended to coordinate and streamline environmental review, and it supports President Donald Trump’s March 2025 executive order that federal agencies fast-track permitting, mobilize funding and create strategic stockpile offtake agreements for minerals that are crucial to the nation’s defense, technology and energy.
The release said the Forest Service will use public comments to decide which potential effects and alternative approaches to examine in its environmental review. Information about public meetings and additional project documents will be posted on the project website, according to the release.
“The Forest Service is required by regulation to consider mining plans of operations on National Forest System lands, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and minimize adverse impacts where feasible,” Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Shawn Cochran said in the release. “Rare Element Resources, Ltd. has submitted a plan of operation proposing to restart mining, and we are seeking public input on their proposal.”
Kelli Kast, RER’s chief administrative officer, told the NLJ that the company is pleased that the environmental impact statement process is moving forward with the Forest Service.
“Their process and analysis will review the plan of operations, evaluate impacts and consider alternatives and mitigation measures if warranted,” Kast said. “We look forward to working with the USFS and all stakeholders, and the state permitting agencies to progress through this rigorous process.”
The company encouraged the public to review and comment on its draft mine plan of operations, which is available online.
Community members can submit comments by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 28 online, by mail, or in person (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays) to Shawn Cochran, Forest Supervisor, c/o Wendy Schuyler, Project Manager, Black Hills National Forest, 1019 N. 5th St., Custer, SD 57730.
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