Gold mining threatens sacred Black Hills landscape and culture
- Gold extraction in South Dakota dates back approximately 150 years, leading to significant changes in the region.
- Modern mining efforts face opposition due to environmental concerns and potential impacts on sacred Native American sites.
- With rising gold prices, new mining ventures are being proposed, highlighting the ongoing conflict between economic interests and environmental preservation.
In South Dakota's Black Hills, gold extraction has a long history dating back approximately 150 years, significantly impacting both the land and Native American communities. The search for wealth led to the displacement of Native tribes and created ongoing concerns regarding environmental damage. Opposition groups including Native American tribes and environmentalists argue that modern extraction methods could contaminate waterways and harm sacred sites. As gold prices soar, more companies show interest in mining the region despite the ongoing protests and fears of lasting consequences for the landscape and local ecosystems. Coeur Mining currently operates the only active mine in the area, while Dakota Gold plans to start an open pit mine in 2029, stirring fresh opposition from local advocates. The community is deeply divided on the issue, balancing potential economic growth with the preservation of their cultural heritage and environment. This tension reveals a broader dialogue about the legacy of mining in the Black Hills and the need for sustainable practices that honor the region's history and its people.