Pete Lien and Sons withdraw Black Hills graphite drilling project
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 10
Pete Lien and Sons withdraw Black Hills graphite drilling project
10 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 10
The company said it would reclaim the Pe’ Sla site in South Dakota and not submit another plan after tribes and environmental groups sued the US Forest Service.
Nine Sioux Nation groups, including Standing Rock Sioux, said the project threatened a sacred ceremonial area and violated federal environmental and historic-preservation review requirements.
The withdrawal is a win for opponents, but disputes continue over a proposed uranium project near Craven Canyon amid a broader Trump-era push for domestic minerals, energy and pipeline development.
As federal rules ease environmental reviews, how can local groups challenge projects threatening their water and sacred lands?
Can the U.S. achieve mineral independence without escalating conflicts over Indigenous sacred sites and environmental protection?
Beyond legal battles, what co-management models can protect sacred lands while addressing national resource needs?
Pe’ Sla Protected: Indigenous-Led Legal and Direct Action Forces Withdrawal of Graphite Drilling Project in the Black Hills, May 2026
Overview
On May 7, 2026, Pete Lien & Sons officially withdrew their controversial graphite drilling plan near Pe’ Sla, a sacred site in the Black Hills, by sending a letter to the U.S. Forest Service. This decision marked a pivotal moment, ending their proposed operations and committing to site reclamation. The company also promised not to seek further permits for graphite drilling at this location, ensuring the project would not be revived. The withdrawal was celebrated by Indigenous land defenders and environmental groups, highlighting the power of community action in protecting sacred lands and natural resources.