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South Dakota's Mineral Debate: Demand vs. Native Concerns

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

South Dakota is debating its critical minerals reserves amid rising global demand.
The state hosts 15 of the 50 minerals classified as critical, including lithium, graphite, and tungsten.
Exploration is underway in the Black Hills, particularly for lithium.
Native American groups oppose mining due to concerns about water quality and sacred sites.
Wyoming is advancing a project to extract rare earth minerals.

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Story summary

South Dakota is debating its critical minerals reserves amid rising global demand.
The state hosts 15 of the 50 minerals classified as critical, including lithium, graphite, and tungsten.
Exploration is underway in the Black Hills, particularly for lithium.
Native American groups oppose mining due to concerns about water quality and sacred sites.
Wyoming is advancing a project to extract rare earth minerals.