After Standing Rock, could a canceled mine project offer a roadmap for opponents of a new oil pipeline in South Dakota?

Nine groups in the Sioux Nation say an exploratory graphite drilling project endangers a recognized ceremonial site Almost exactly a decade since the start of the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access pipeline gained national and international attention, new disputes are simmering over tribal rights in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Earlier this month, an environmental organization and a Native American advocacy group sued the US Forest Service, claiming that an exploratory graphite drilling project on national forest land threatened a recognized ceremonial site on mountain meadows known as Pe’ Sla, or Reynolds Prairie. Continue reading...

Edward Helmore · Sun, May 10, 2026, 9:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

After Standing Rock, could a canceled mine project offer a roadmap for opponents of a new oil pipeline in South Dakota?

Nine groups in the Sioux Nation say an exploratory graphite drilling project endangers a recognized ceremonial site

Almost exactly a decade since the start of the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access pipeline gained national and international attention, new disputes are simmering over tribal rights in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Earlier this month, an environmental organization and a Native American advocacy group sued the US Forest Service, claiming that an exploratory graphite drilling project on national forest land threatened a recognized ceremonial site on mountain meadows known as Pe’ Sla, or Reynolds Prairie.

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