Uranium exploration permits are required for the exploration of uranium. Activities covered under the permit include sinking shafts, tunneling, drilling test holes, or cuts or other works for the purposes of extracting samples (including bulk samples) to prove the commercial grade of a uranium deposit before commencement of mining operations or development of test facilities. Uranium mining, including in situ leach mining, requires a state mine permit issued under SDCL 45-6B and ARSD 74:29.
The Board of Minerals and Environment sets the level of bonding for each uranium exploration permit to cover the costs of plugging all proposed test holes and reclamation of affected public and private land. The reclamation bond must be deposited with the department before the operator begins exploration activities.
The South Dakota Uranium Exploration Act (SDCL 45-6D) and South Dakota Plugging Standards (ARSD 74:11:08)
To download a uranium exploration permit application and other forms, go to the DANR Applications & Forms web page. If you cannot download the forms, please contact Eric Holm and the forms will be mailed to you.
To learn more about other permits that may be required for uranium exploration operations, please go to the one stop permitting page.