Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

It was with great interest to read Hugh Thompson’s critique of my opinion about the rare earth mine and processing center being proposed for the Sundance and Upton areas respectively. Yes, the mine itself would only occupy about 250 acres of the 9000 acres RER has at their disposal. This information is available on their website. What was missing from my article was that there are two other sites being developed at this time and should be in operation by 2023: the Round Top mine and processing center to be located at some distance from El Paso, TX and the Mountain Pass mine and processing center in CA.

Though I provided the background I have to address this problem I in no way want to imply that I am an expert in rare earth mining or processing, which is a very specialized field. My background only predisposes me to be interested in the details and the anticipated environmental impacts.

My concern is that the other two sites being developed offer far fewer environmental impacts than the mine being proposed for development some six miles north of Sundance and the processing center in Upton. These others are located in relatively desolate areas whereas the proposed developments in Wyoming are located in relatively more lush areas with timber/wildlife and ambiance.

Though the RER’s website pays deference to the problems of water usage and wildlife dislocation it is quite clear that this site would constitute a far greater intrusion and threat to the ecology of the area. My suggestion is that we allow the other two operations to come to fruition to see how they have addressed the environmental challenges that other operations have not dealt with successfully before we subject the Sundance and Upton areas to these environmental challenges.

Bear in mind that there are several areas that share similar mineralogical characteristics in the Black Hills area and thus are also potential mining sites. And yes, I am mindful of the need for rare earth minerals for all of our needs including national defense as the economy goes electrical. But sites in more desolate areas should be preferred over those that are not until the demand becomes overwhelming (which it will).

But other locations might be found in more desolate areas as well. Rare earths are somewhat of a misnomer. These minerals are not rare but they are difficult to separate because of their chemical similarities.

Rodney Knudson