by Steve Jones, Corvallis
An Executive Order issued March 20, 2025 directs federal agencies to speed up approvals for mining projects on federal land. A list of “priority projects” for this fast-tracking is due April 20, 2025.
We are concerned that US Critical Materials’ proposed mine in the Bitterroot River headwaters could be placed on this list. This would bypass standard environmental reviews and public input for a project in a completely unsuitable location.
The Bitterroot headwaters are the wrong place for a mine. Our drinking water, agriculture, and fisheries depend on a clean river. This project poses an unacceptable risk to these essential resources.
Montana has better options for securing critical minerals. A project in Butte is already working to extract needed minerals from existing mine waste, cleaning up pollution while meeting demand. Prioritizing the Butte project supports a Montana-based solution.
Further, the Sheep Creek project is too early in development, with no mine permits issued, to meet any immediate national needs. Rushing this specific project makes little sense.
Please contact our congressional representatives immediately and ask them to oppose including the Sheep Creek mine on the priority list. Tell them to protect the Bitterroot’s clean water and support responsible, Montana-based solutions like the Butte project.