A long-debated uranium mining project in southwestern South Dakota is taking a major step forward after securing its final federal permits.
The proposed Dewey-Burdock project, located near Edgemont in Custer and Fall River counties, has spent decades navigating the approval process and has faced numerous legal and administrative challenges along the way.
Project developers say they now plan to restart the state permitting process, which has been on hold since 2013 while federal reviews were completed.
The project would use what is known as in-situ mining. This process involves injecting a water-based solution underground to dissolve uranium and pump it to the surface for processing. Supporters say the project could help strengthen domestic uranium production, which is used in nuclear energy and national defense applications.
However, opponents remain concerned about potential impacts on groundwater and local water supplies, as well as possible effects on cultural and historic sites in the Black Hills region.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources says the company has submitted new water-rights applications but has not yet applied for updated mining or groundwater discharge permits.
Advocacy groups, including the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and NDN Collective, continue to oppose the project and are expected to challenge future approvals.
State officials say the timeline for permit reviews remains uncertain and will depend largely on public participation and any legal challenges that may arise.
The debate over the Dewey-Burdock project is expected to continue as the next phase of state permitting gets underway.
