This South Dakota Uranium Mine Could Shape The State's Future

It's no secret that the U.S. is always on the lookout for energy security and many within the U.S. government and private energy sector have been eyeing the state of South Dakota for that very purpose for quite some time.

Nestled along the southwestern edge of the Black Hills and near the town of Edgemont lies the proposed Dewey Burdock Uranium Mine, whose goal is to produce domestic uranium for the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain.

The site isn't far from where uranium was first discovered in South Dakota back in the 1950s. Soon after, the area began to be mined all the way through until the 1970s, when it was deemed unprofitable. But now, Encore Energy is hoping to bring mining in South Dakota back in a big way. While there are many proponents of this new project, it's not without its detractors.

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Credit: Canva

The project's main goal is to provide a secure, domestic supply of uranium, reducing reliance on foreign sources. Encore Energy's plan is to use what is known as the ISR method, which involves dissolving uranium in place with a solution and pumping it to the surface, minimizing surface disturbance compared to conventional mining.

The project aims to complete the necessary federal and state permitting processes to move from its current planning stage to operational status. It recently made great strides by securing a key federal ruling for the project back in September.

Opponents of the project say that significant health concerns could be raised from the mining, including groundwater contamination, and possible cancer risk due to the possibility of radioactivity.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe and other area tribal governments are also opposed to the project, stating that the Black Hills region is considered sacred land and say that any proposed mining would destroy historic and cultural sites.

The next step for the project will be to continue with the federal and state permitting licensing process, which has been put on the fast track due to the "Fast-41" program.

Story Sources: Dewey Burdock Website

One Of South Dakota's Coolest Parks Is Just East of Sioux Falls

Before this South Dakota State Park was dedicated it had been more than 40 years since South Dakota had a new State Park. And this Sioux Falls green space is a gem!

Good Earth State Park is on the southeast edge of Sioux Falls right on the Iowa / South Dakota border.

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis