Forest Service Must Require Environmental Assessment for Sheep Creek Mine Exploration
What happened: On July 1, 2026 The Forest Service released a new Plan of Operations from US Critical Materials (USCM) for…
Updates
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What’s Happening Now
This is where you’ll find deeper details on the proposed Sheep Creek mine, community and expert perspectives, and relevant news coverage.
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Montana can lead recovery of rare earth elements and critical minerals without sacrificing the Bitterroot
By David Brooks, Montana Trout Unlimited and Dr. Phil Ramsey, MPG Ranch — Minerals and metals are part of…
Sheep Creek Mine: 40 new jobs aren‘t worth risking a Clean River Economy
By Eddie Olwell, of Stevensville, is owner of Fishs Eddy O. Outfitters US Critical Materials, the company seeking to develop a rare…
Sheep Creek Mine: You Bet We’re Ready to Take Care of What’s Ours.
By the Bitterroot Water Partnership – For three decades, the Bitterroot Water Partnership has worked for clean, abundant water…
News and Media:
- 2026 | July 17
Sheep Creek flyover turns heads - 2026 | July 9
Sheep Creek mine update calls for 2,200 helicopter flights in first season - 2026 | July 7
Conservation groups and community leaders check out Sheep Creek Project site from the sky - 2026 | June 30
Proposed mine still a major concern for the Bitterroot River - 2026 | May 6
Political candidates pitch ideas for impeding controversial Sheep Creek mine, saving Bitterroot - 2026 | Mar 27
Exploration plan for Bitterroot rare-earth mining project to be revised - 2026 | Feb 18
Mining company to amend Sheep Creek plan - 2026 | Feb 03
Sheep Creek Mine Statement from Rep. David Bedey, HD 86, Hamilton - 2025 | Dec 23
Trust, transparency, and the facts about Sheep Creek – Statement from USCM - 2025 | Dec 03
Sheehy, Daines and Zinke call for slowdown on Sheep Creek mine - 2025 | Dec 02
Sheep Creek mine exploration in Bitterroot draws opposition
Videos
Other Resources & Publications
- Summary of Deficiencies – Plan of Operations for Exploration | 2026 July 07
- US Critical Materials Current Draft Plan of Operations | 2026 July 01
- Find more details on the US Forest Service Page
- US Critical Materials Initial Draft Plan of Operations | 2025 Dec 05
- Letter from Ravalli County Commissioners Opposing Fast-Track of Sheep Creek Mine Permitting | 2025 Dec 02
- Statement from Bitterroot Water Partnership, Ravalli County Commission Public Meeting | 2025 Dec 01