Haile Gold Mine celebrated the official opening of Horseshoe Underground with a March 6 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The mine’s underground project has been underway since obtaining state and federal permits in December.

Several local and state dignitaries were in attendance for the celebration, including Kershaw Mayor Mark Dorman, Town Administrator Ryan McLemore, S.C. House of Representatives Richie Yow, S.C. House of Representatives Brandon Newton, Congressman Ralph Norman’s Office, former S.C. Senator Vincent Sheheen, Lancaster County Council member Allen Blackmon, and Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce President John McCain. OceanaGold President and CEO Gerard Bond was also present at the event.

Guests were presented with mini models of the Horseshoe Deposit and had the chance to check out equipment while at the development portal. The underground project will generate 200 jobs while decreasing environmental disturbances and truck hauling distances.