Biden administration targets mine closure in green energy push.

The Biden administration is considering a 20-year ban on mining in a South Dakota forest area due to its proximity to cultural and natural resources. The proposed action prohibits new mining claims and the issuance of new federal mineral leases for two years while the agencies review the proposal. The potential 20-year withdrawal comes amid a multi-year approval process for a gold exploration project in the area proposed by Minneapolis-based mining company F3 Gold. The company has stated that the project would produce precious metals necessary for green energy technology like solar panels and electric vehicle batteries, aerospace equipment, and telecom equipment.