The fate of a proposed mine between Lead and Spearfish Canyon ha - KOTA Territory News

The fate of a proposed mine between Lead and Spearfish Canyon hangs in the balance

The Deadwood Standard mine project's fate is now in the hands of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.

The Lawrence County Commission held a five hour long meeting where project leaders and the public all had a chance to speak.

The commission passed a motion to delay its decision until after the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources makes their recommendation; a decision that could take months. The commissioners say they still have too many questions left unanswered.

And while the project is now on hold the issue continues to be a dividing topic.

Spearfish Mayor Jerry Krambeck spoke on his own behalf but welcomes the economic growth he said will come with the mine.

While Gary E. Heckenlaible with Action for the Environment said Spearfish Canyon is the crown jewel of the Black Hills and it's not the place for a mine.

While plans seems to be on hold, Dan Daly with the Deadwood Standard project said while they wait for a decision, they'll get a head start on the state permit process.