Opposition arises to exploration of Sheep Creek mine in Bitterroot

HAMILTON The Ravalli County Commissioners unanimously voted Monday to oppose the inclusion of the Sheep Creek mining exploration project on a federal list aimed at streamlining permitting. The decision came after a public hearing attended by over 500 Bitterroot Valley residents, none of whom voiced support for the project.

The proposed exploration, led by U.S. Critical Materials, aims to assess the potential for gallium and rare earth element mining. These elements are essential in products such as cellphones and automobiles. The project site is located near the headwaters of the Bitterroot River and in habitats for elk, wolverines, Canada lynx, occasional grizzly bears, and native fish species, including the westslope cutthroat trout, classified as a fish of special concern.

Community members urged commissioners to oppose the project entirely, citing environmental risks, heavy truck traffic, and concerns about testing new mining techniques in a sensitive area with limited water resources. Questions were also raised about the corporate structure of U.S. Critical Materials and its connections to shell companies, which Commissioner Greg Chilcott described as concerning.

Scott Osterman, representing the company, emphasized the projects importance to national security and reducing U.S. dependence on China for critical materials. He claimed the project would use environmentally safe methods, although he challenged the notion that the area was untouched. Osterman also apologized for the lack of early public communication.

Local residents, including Tom Powers, who suffers from asbestosis despite never working in mines, expressed fears about long-term health consequences and environmental degradation. Many noted that previous mining operations in the region caused chronic lung diseases due to asbestos exposure.

The commissioners plan to formally notify Congress and Governor Greg Gianforte of their opposition to the projects placement on the federal FAST-41 permitting list. FAST-41 is designed to improve permitting efficiency for critical infrastructure, though Osterman argued the fast track label is misleading.

Commissioners criticized the company for inadequate early communication and raised concerns about the impact of up to 5,000 truck trips per week on local infrastructure. The company projected 40 to 50 jobs during the early exploration phase, with potential salaries ranging from $85,000 to $135,000 annually. However, residents highlighted that tourism, recreation, and property values represent a far larger economic stake in the region.

Local business owners, including Katelynn Rennaker of Stevensville, and representatives from MPG Ranch and the Bitterroot Water Partnership, underscored the lack of transparency and engagement from the mining company. They warned that the project threatens the Bitterroot River, local wildlife, and the broader tourism economy, which generated $67 million annually for the valley.

Community leaders stressed that the Bitterroot is more than a site for resource extraction; it is a home, a hub for recreation, and a vibrant valley sustained by its river. They called on commissioners to protect public lands, water, and the local economy from the risks posed by the proposed mining exploration.

Author: Gavin Porter