HAMILTON, Mont. – The public was invited to share concerns, questions and suggestions regarding the Sheep Rock Rare Earth Exploration Project, located south of Darby. The Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) encouraged the public to share their thoughts beginning on August 14.
Comments will be accepted until September 13, 2026.
“The Forest Service is required by regulation to consider mining plans of operations on National Forest System lands, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and minimize adverse impacts where feasible,” said Dan Pliley, West Fork District Ranger. “US Critical Materials has submitted a draft plan of operations to conduct mineral exploration activities, and we are seeking public input on their proposal.”
The Sheep Creek Exploration Project was expected to include short-term mineral explorations designed to study and evaluate rare minerals. Plans include collecting bulk rock samples, surface drilling and controlled blasting inside tunnels to break rock from mineralized veins.
Approximately 3,000 tons of bulk material is expected to be collected over two field seasons. Helicopter assistance will take the materials from the assigned staging area and transported off site for laboratory analysis.
Site-specific public comments and questions are encouraged to identify potential environmental issues the proposed action could cause.
Electronic comments can be submitted by visiting the project website.
Comments will also be accepted through Sheep.Creek.Comments@usda.gov.
Hard copy comments may be mailed or delivered to the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Office, Attn: Sheep Creek Comments, 1801 N. First Street, Hamilton MT. 59840.
All comments received, including names and addresses will be considered part of the public record for this project.