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Pete Lien & Sons Halts Black Hills Graphite Drill After Tribal Lawsuit

5/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pete Lien & Sons withdrew its graphite drilling plan in the Black Hills of South Dakota, ending the proposed operation.
The withdrawal followed a two-week halt imposed by a temporary restraining order and a lawsuit by nine Sioux-affiliated tribes alleging violations of historic preservation and environmental laws.
Indigenous advocacy group NDN Collective called the cancellation a multi-faceted win and a blueprint for future land-defense efforts.

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Story summary

Pete Lien & Sons withdrew its graphite drilling plan in the Black Hills of South Dakota, ending the proposed operation.
The withdrawal followed a two-week halt imposed by a temporary restraining order and a lawsuit by nine Sioux-affiliated tribes alleging violations of historic preservation and environmental laws.
Indigenous advocacy group NDN Collective called the cancellation a multi-faceted win and a blueprint for future land-defense efforts.