Trump administration accelerates permitting for Wyoming rare-earth mine, sparking local concern

Rare Earth Resources plans an open-pit rare-earth mine at Bull Hill, about 12 miles northwest of Sundance, Wyoming, with a nearby processing plant in Upton. The U.S. Forest Service began a 30-day public comment period in July, part of a fast-track permitting effort under the FAST-41 tool that the Trump administration is using to boost domestic critical-mineral production. Residents such as Justin Johnson say the short window leaves little time to evaluate potential effects on air, water and wildlife, while Crook County Commissioner John Davis voiced support for the project but noted lingering concerns.

Conservation organization Center for Western Priorities criticized the expedited approach as an attempt to limit public participation. The mine, backed by General Atomics as a majority shareholder, could create 110 permanent jobs and generate over $75 million in state taxes over a 17-year lifespan, though the processing plant’s economic impact remains uncertain. State agencies will still have a role in the later stages of the environmental impact statement process.