The U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers issued the Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision and granted a permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to begin expansion at Haile Gold Mine. State-issued permits, including the Mine Operating Permit, were approved a week earlier by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Aside from underground mine operations on Haile’s property, the approval allows an expanded footprint, additional waste containment, and expansion of the Tailings Storage Facility.

OceanaGold Chief Operating Officer and Haile Executive General Manager, David Londono, said approval to expand marks a significant milestone for the operation.

“This is exciting news for everyone at Haile,” he said. The expansion allows us to increase production and aim for higher goals. I am excited for the opportunities ahead to extend mine life and continue to be responsible gold miners.”