DARBY — On Monday, Bitterroot National Forest officials announced an upcoming environmental review of a proposal for exploratory mining in the Sheep Creek Project south of Darby. Watch the full story below:Bitterroot National Forest launching environmental review of Sheep Creek ProjectThe company behind the project, U.S. Critical Materials (USCM) proposed exploratory mining for rare earth elements, which they said are key for national security. The agency is analyzing the most recent draft revision, from mid-June, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Recently, after a request for a final answer from USCM, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) determined that the state’s Metal Mine Reclamation Act (MMRA) does apply to the Sheep Creek Project. DEQ found that the Sheep Creek Project does not qualify for an exemption, despite the proposed exploration occurring on federal land in the Bitterroot National Forest.