Solitario Resources has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling at up to 49 sites in the Long Draw and Limestone Plateau areas, approximately 13 mile south of Spearfish, SD. No mining would occur under this proposal.
Location
East of Spearfish Canyon and US Highway 385 and west of Hanna Road (County Road 196. Primary access is via Long Draw Rd (NFSR 209).
Project timeline
1
Scoping Start
06/20/2025
2
Comment Period
06/20/2025
3
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
4
Implementation
05/2026 (Estimated)
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | Usgs 9.5(G) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Minerals Or Geology Plans Of Operations |
| Ponderosa Exploration Drilling | Decision Signed Date: 02/25/2026 |
| Forests | Black Hills National Forest |
| Districts | Northern Hills Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Not Applicable |