9 tribes sue to stop exploratory drilling in Black Hills near sacred site
Summary
Nine Native American tribes from South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska are suing the U.S. government to stop exploratory drilling for graphite near a sacred site called Pe'Sla in the Black Hills. The tribes say the government did not consult them or conduct an environmental review before approving the mining project, which they say violates federal laws protecting historic and cultural places.Key Facts
- Nine Native American tribes filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Agriculture.
- The lawsuit aims to stop graphite drilling near Pe'Sla, a sacred meadow used for tribal ceremonies in the Black Hills.
- The drilling project began in late April 2026 by Pete Lien & Sons, a mining company based in Rapid City.
- Pe'Sla is considered sacred by Sioux tribes who have used it for ceremonies for more than 2,000 years.
- The tribes say the government approved the project without proper consultation or an environmental review.
- Parts of Pe'Sla have been owned by Sioux tribes since 2012 through land purchases.
- The tribes argue that the mining could harm their cultural and religious use of the land.
- The lawsuit claims the government violated the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
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