The Defenders of the Black Hills is worried that abandoned mines in northwestern South Dakota are posing a health risk to Indians and non-Indians.

The Cave Hills area, considered sacred by Lakota and other tribes, contains more 27 abandoned mines. The group says the mines are polluting the air, land and water.

The group held a meeting with the U.S. Forest Service on Saturday to discuss the issue. The agency is seeking ways to clean up the area but is also being asked to approve oil drilling there.

Get the Story:
Group calls for action on abandoned uranium mines (AP 2/28)

Relevant Links:
Defenders of the Black Hills - http://www.defendblackhills.org