Debate grows over Sheep Creek rare earth project in the Bitterroot

MONTANA— A proposed rare earth exploration project in the Bitterroot drew sharp debate as supporters and critics weighed what it could mean for the area’s future.

The project would be in the Sheep Creek area near the headwaters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. A map shown during NonStop Local’s report marked known mineral deposits and highlighted plans discussed for deep excavation in the mountainous terrain, including a possible underground tunnel stretching a mile.

Community members and experts raised concerns at a recent Sierra Club meeting. Discussions there focused on possible effects on water, wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem.

Philip Ramsay, general manager of Bitterroot Ranch, said the location was a key concern.

“Communities depend on clean water. And this particular kind of mining in this particular spot threatens that clean water. And in Montana, we have much better places to build a rare earth element economy. And we all need and use rare earth elements. And we should be wise and thoughtful about where we get them,” said Ramsay.

He also warned about materials that could be disturbed during mining and how that could affect public health.

“There's no safe level of arsenic and lead in water. It affects children's development at any level. We know that the ore body that would be mined contains appreciable levels of arsenic and lead that could be released,” said Ramsay.

Supporters tied the project to growing demand for rare earth elements. Those working with U.S. Critical Materials said the discussion also needed to include the site’s broader importance.

Scott Osterman, senior advisor for U.S. Critical Materials, said the deposit had been recognized for decades.

“Sheep Creek is a very unique, critical mineral deposit. It's been known for quite some time. It's been explored since the 1950s, and it's been a lot of work done there from various different entities over the years,” said Osterman.

He said the site stood out because of the materials found there and because current supply comes from outside the country.

“What's unique about the deposit is it has mineralized gallium and many of the heavy, rare earth metals that we are literally 100% dependent upon China for for our supply. And all of those metals and materials are used in national defense in almost everything that we use that’s electronic today. Anything with a, you know, a semiconductor or whatever uses it,” said Osterman.

The company said the project remained in its early stages. It also said years of environmental review, testing and permitting are still ahead and stressed that modern mining practices were built around safety and environmental protection.