At the headwaters of Montana’s Bitterroot River, a foreign-owned mining company threatens the economy and way of life of western Montanans. If permitted, the Sheep Creek Mine could release hazardous radiation and toxins downstream. The mine would steal the precious water we need for our crops, livestock, recreational fishery and tourism industry to thrive.
It’s time to rally our community against this threat.
A Toxic Process
Rare earth elements produce more toxic and radioactive waste, and use more water than other kinds of mined materials, making them especially dangerous.
In 2022, U.S. Critical Materials, a Canadian mining company, announced their intention to extract rare earth materials from the headwaters of the Bitterroot River.
Our Future is at Stake
Clean, abundant water from the Bitterroot River is the cornerstone to our economy and way of life. From the fish and wildlife to the sustainable fishing and agricultural industries, the health of the Bitterroot River is essential for our thriving communities. If our water is polluted or dried up as a result of mining, it will impact all of us.
Not Enough water
Western Montanans must ensure there is enough to maintain the natural systems that feed fish, wildlife and our recreation and tourism economy, while also meeting agricultural needs. Adding a new mine that could use up to 278 million gallons of water per year to the mix could overwhelm the system, and risk the river going dry, as it has in the past.
Agriculture economy Devastated
Not only would this mine introduce poisons and radioactive material that risk our food supply and thousands of jobs, it would require massive amounts of water, drawing down our already-taxed water resources.
Recreation Destroyed
Hunters also find success in the region, with elk, moose, and both white-tailed and mule deer. These resources help sustain a vibrant outdoor and tourism industry, valued at $100 million, that would be destroyed if our water is polluted from mining.
