Dakota Panel Opens Uranium Mining Permit Review
South Dakota officials have begun public review of permit applications for the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium recovery project in the Black Hills.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Utilities
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Should South Dakota approve uranium mining that could affect local groundwater?
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources opened state water and mining permit applications for public review, seeking input on Powertech (USA) Inc.'s proposal to revive uranium recovery in the southwestern Black Hills. Uranium operations in the state shut down in 1973.
Why it matters
The Dewey-Burdock project would reintroduce uranium extraction to South Dakota after a 50-year gap, with proponents citing economic growth and energy independence while the public weighs in on its permits.
The state's permit review follows a roughly 50-year gap since uranium operations ended in 1973, a period in which no active uranium recovery has occurred in South Dakota. Whether the permits will be granted and the project will proceed has not been determined.
The players
Powertech (USA) Inc.
Powertech (USA) Inc. is a company seeking state permits to revive uranium recovery at the Dewey-Burdock project in the Black Hills.
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
The state agency opened the water and mining permit applications for public review and is overseeing the permitting process for the proposed project.
The details
Powertech (USA) Inc. is proposing the Dewey-Burdock project in Fall River and Custer counties, using an in-situ recovery process that injects liquid underground to extract uranium. Supporters cite new jobs, tax revenue and clean energy needs, while the state's public input period will shape the outcome.
Timeline
1973: Uranium operations in South Dakota shut down after falling market prices and environmental concerns.
November 1, 2026: The state opened public review of uranium permit applications.
Roadmap
The proposal revisits the uranium recovery that ended in South Dakota in 1973 after falling market prices and environmental concerns. The coming public input period will determine whether that earlier chapter is reopened in the Black Hills.
Residents in Fall River and Custer counties can weigh in during the public review of the water and mining permits. If approved, the project would bring uranium recovery back to the southwestern Black Hills.
The takeaway
Public review periods give residents a formal channel to shape permitting decisions on large resource projects before approvals are issued.
Further reading
Explore more on Utilities coverage for South Dakota.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hot 104.7.
Live Poll
Should South Dakota approve uranium mining that could affect local groundwater?
