How Indigenous Organizers Defeated Plans to Mine a Sacred Black Hills Site

"Pete Lien & Sons informed the U.S. Forest Service on May 7 that it was withdrawing its plan of operations for the Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project and did not intend to submit another drilling plan for the site, according to a letter shared by project opponents. The decision came days after a federal judge on May 4 temporarily halted drilling amid sustained opposition to the project from Native nations and local water protectors."

""I think it shows the power of organizing, the power of community coming together to say no through direct action," said Wizipan Garriott, president of NDN Collective, which was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit to halt the drilling. "It also shows the power of being able to bring things to the court. And then it also shows the power of tribes being able to organize and to take action.""

"South Dakota-based nonprofit Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, another plaintiff in the case, wrote in a statement published to Instagram that organizers will stay on alert if the mining company decides to reapply with another plan. "This is a testament to the people, organizations, and tribal governments who showed unified action, determination, and courage in the face of what seemed to be overwhelming odds. It is unusual for a mining company to be slapped down""

A South Dakota mining company withdrew a plan to drill for graphite near Pe' Sla, a sacred site in the Black Hills. Pete Lien & Sons informed the U.S. Forest Service on May 7 that it was withdrawing its plan of operations for the Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project and would not submit another drilling plan for the site. The withdrawal followed a federal judge’s May 4 temporary halt of drilling amid sustained opposition from Native nations and local water protectors. Indigenous organizers and environmental groups credited the outcome to a monthslong coordinated campaign combining prayer, direct action, and legal pressure. Organizers said they will remain alert in case the company reapplies with a new plan.

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