Economic Impact

Haile Gold Mine: Benefiting Lancaster County, the Surrounding Region, and South Carolina

Since its founding in 1827, Haile Gold Mine has been one of the longest-lasting and highest-producing gold mines east of the Mississippi. Since OceanaGold reopened a modern Haile Gold Mine in 2017, we have invested more than $800 million in development, equipment, and construction, generating a significant economic impact for the region.

Haile’s Astounding Economic Impact

  • Haile Gold Mine produces $568.7 million annually in economic impact for Lancaster County – more than 1,500% higher than originally forecasted in 2012. This impact corresponds to 1,177 jobs and $106.3 million in annual labor income that would not exist otherwise.
  • The surrounding six-county region sees an annual impact of $634.0 million, supporting 1,413 direct and indirect jobs and $117.8 million in labor income.
  • Statewide, Haile Gold Mine’s total annual economic impact is $717.5 million – a 503% increase over projections from 2012.
  • The cumulative positive economic impact of the Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina will total more than $9.3 billion by the year 2037.
HGM_Annual-Economist

A Thriving Workforce

Over the years, we have put thousands of people to work at Haile, from heavy machinery operators, chemists, environmental experts, and exploration specialists, to health and safety managers, surveyors, security staff, and construction personnel.

Today, more than 800 people are employed at the Haile Gold Mine, and 75% of our employees live in Lancaster County and the surrounding areas. We are neighbors, friends, volunteers, customers, and leaders within the community.

Haile Map

Significant Local Spending

Haile spends more than $37.6 million per month locally through labor and the purchase of local goods and services. That astounding figure doesn’t even account for the individual spending of our employees and contractors who also make a range of purchases, from new homes and new cars to groceries and gasoline.

Community Commitment

Our employees contribute hundreds of volunteer hours annually, supporting local schools, civic organizations, and events. We’re proud to play an active role in strengthening the local community which generates wide-ranging social and economic benefits for the town of Kershaw, Lancaster County and the state of South Carolina.