Permitting for “smaller-scale” mining projects like sand, gravel, or aggregate usually happens at the county level.
Efforts have been made at both the county and municipal level to stand against destructive mining proposals and make sure that Tribes are involved in the decision-making process.
The current Pennington County Zoning Ordinance contains a requirement to notify all Tribal Historic Preservation Officers on the Black Hills National Forest Tribal/THPO mailing list regarding any mining permit application.
In Fall 2019, Pennington County took public comments on a new draft hard-rock mining ordinance. The process has not moved since 2019, but we are watching for developments.
