Pete Lien and Sons has submitted a plan of operations to conduct exploratory drilling southwest of Rochford, SD. Up to 18 holes would be drilled in search of graphite materials. Each hole would be 3 inches in diameter and up to 1,000ft. deep.
Location
Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project area lies approximately 3 miles southwest of Rochford, South Dakota.
Project timeline
1
Scoping Start
04/09/2025
2
Comment Period
04/09/2025
3
Decision
02/2026 (Estimated)
4
Implementation
02/2026 (Estimated)
NEPA / regulatory detail
| Categorical Exclusion | 32.2 (8), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(8) |
| Special Authority | Not Applicable / Other |
| Notice and Comment Regulation | Not Subject to Regulations |
| Project Activity | Minerals Or Geology Plans Of Operations |
| Pete Lien and Sons Rochford Mineral Exploratory Drilling Project | Decision Signed Date: 02/27/2026 |
| Forests | Black Hills National Forest |
| Districts | Mystic Ranger District |
| Legal Land Description | Sections 3, 4, 5, T. 01 N., R. 03 E. and Section 25 T. 02 N., R. 02 E, and Sections 30, 32, 33 T. 02N., R 03E |