Locals concerned as Trump admin fast-tracks public process for Wyoming rare earth mine

Residents in northeast Wyoming are expressing worry over the U.S. Forest Service's rapid review process for a rare-earth element mining project proposed by Colorado-based Rare Earth Resources. The 30-day public comment period began in July, providing limited time for the public to voice their opinions on the federal procedure that the Trump administration has expedited.

The open-pit mine would be constructed at Bull Hill, located within the Black Hills National Forest, about 22 miles from Devils Tower. Once completed, raw materials will be transported to a demonstration processing plant near Upton. Concerns have been raised regarding the mine's potential impact on health, wildlife, exemptions to the Black Hills Forest management plan, and air and water quality.

Sundance resident Justin Johnson, who has lived in the area for over a decade, expressed surprise at the sudden news of the project, stating that there was little prior discussion about it in the community. Crook County Commissioner John Davis acknowledged the town's approval of the project but admitted that locals have many questions and concerns that need to be addressed before the federal deadline.