A $353 million investment

Haile Gold Mine, Inc. is investing $353 million to develop the Haile Gold Mine and anticipates creating 270 new jobs, according to a press release issued Thursday, Nov. 6 by the S.C. Department of Commerce.

“In addition to this $353 million investment to enter into the construction and development phase, Haile Gold Mine, Inc. has already invested $91 million in its Lancaster County operations and currently employs approximately 86 workers, a majority of which are from the local area,” the release said.

“The rule of thumb in mining is that for every one direct job on site, an additional three or four indirect jobs will be created to support the activity in the local and regional community.”

Haile Gold Mine, Inc. President/CEO Diane Garrett said the company is delighted to be a part of the community of Kershaw and Lancaster County. She said since arriving in the area seven years ago, the company has demonstrated its commitment to hire and purchase locally.

“Part of our contribution and sustaining legacy to the community was the construction of a $5 million, state-of-the-art assay lab in Kershaw in 2011, the only certified lab on the East Coast of the U.S.,” Garrett said.

“We are pleased with the permitting achievements which allow us to move forward to develop this truly world-class asset. The project will generate an economic benefit to the county in excess of $68 million annually over the life of the mine, which currently stands at 13.5 years.”

Lancaster County Council Chairman Larry McCullough said the county has worked with the Romarco for nearly eight years to support the project. He said the county knows Haile Gold Mine will be a good steward of the environment and will continue to operate a world-class mine site on the outskirts of Kershaw.

“The Haile Gold Mine facility will utilize modern mining technology and will set the standard for future facilities to follow around the globe,” he said. “The job creation, investment and payroll from this company will spur additional economic growth in the town and county and we are excited about the opportunities to come with this project.”

Romarco has been a strong supporter of the town of Kershaw and its residents for nearly a decade, said Kershaw Mayor Wayne Rhodes.

He said town officials are excited about the decision by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to approve permits so the mine can begin operations.

“We’ve worked closely with Haile Gold Mine to develop a plan and program that will protect the environment while creating economic growth in the town of Kershaw and surrounding communities,” Rhodes said. “The facility to be constructed at the site and the mining operations to come will be world class and operated by world class people.”

To join the Haile Gold Mine Inc. team, register with The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce at www.dew.sc.gov. The company hopes to begin hiring before the end of 2014.

By Denyse Clark, Staff Reporter with The Lancaster News