Phil and BonnyBleu Ramsey Big unknowns

U.S. Critical Materials (USCM) proposes to mine rare earth elements in the Bitterroot watershed. While our society needs these elements, the activity can harm the environment, public health and property values. If this mine project proceeds, we must work together to ensure the mining operation is conducted responsibly and does not pollute our river. First, we need to educate ourselves about the proposed mining operation. Organization and participation in the permitting process will come later, but now there are some big unknowns. Following are some questions on our mind. 1) Rare earth element extraction usually uses acid heap leaching at…