Piedmont Residents Outraged Over Limestone Mine Approval Without Notification

PIEDMONT, S.D. – Residents of Piedmont are expressing shock and anger after learning that a limestone mining operation was approved without their prior knowledge. The state granted Simon Contractors the green light to mine on land surrounding the city, leading to strong community backlash.

Simon Contractors, a French-owned company, received approval for a 300-acre limestone mine expected to begin operations in August 2026 and continue through 2043. Most residents found out about the project through brief notices in newspapers outside of their community.

At a city meeting held on October 23, residents raised concerns over potential impacts to air and water quality, property values, and traffic. Local pastor Paul Betts, whose church borders the mine site, voiced his worries saying, “This is going to destroy Piedmont. It will destroy the beauty of this area.”

Betts highlighted health concerns for his daughter, who has asthma, fearing that limestone dust could worsen her condition. Many others echoed similar fears, questioning the effects of mining operations on their children’s health and quality of life.

Piedmont, a small city with a population of about 1,000, consists mostly of homes, ranches, and small businesses. Residents were unexpectedly left out of the approval process due to a combination of lax state mining regulations and a lack of county zoning laws, which do not require public input for such mining projects.

Rich Williams, an attorney representing the city of Piedmont, explained that while regulations exist for more invasive mines like gold or silver, limestone operations only require a general state mining license without the need for environmental impact studies or public hearings.

Phil Anderson, chairman of the Piedmont board of trustees, noted that residents’ reluctance to support government involvement in local matters, along with failed attempts to enact zoning laws, contributed to the current situation. He stated, “The responsibility for this resides on our people a little bit because they don’t want government telling them what to do.”

Simon Contractors did not respond to requests for comment regarding the concerns raised by residents. During the meeting, state Rep. Terri Jorgenson, who attended the gathering, expressed her worries about potential negative effects on air quality and the local elementary school, urging continued pressure for answers to mitigate residents’ concerns.

Jorgenson emphasized the importance of local action, stating, “The city of Piedmont will not see any financial benefit from this project.” Ultimately, residents and city officials agreed to collaborate to either block the mine’s operation or find solutions to minimize its impact.

As discussions continue, community members remain hopeful for more transparency and input in decisions affecting their town.