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
- In Lancaster County alone, the Haile Gold Mine generates $568.7 million in positive, annual economic impact, supporting 1,177 jobs and $106.3 million in labor income - economic benefits that would not exist without the mine’s operations.
- The surrounding six-county region (Lancaster, Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, and York counties) sees an annual positive economic impact of $634.0 million, supporting 1,413 jobs and $117.8 million in labor income.
- Statewide, our annual positive economic impact is $717.5 million. The cumulative positive economic impact of the Haile Gold Mine on South Carolina is projected to total more than $9.3 billion by 2037.
- Average annual employee compensation of the Haile Gold Mine significantly exceeds median household income in every country in the six-county region.
The Haile Gold Mine has a history dating back 200 years in Lancaster County, but only in 2017 did commercial production relaunch.
- In 2012, an economic impact study estimated the gold mine’s positive impact if the mine were allowed to reopen.
- A second 2018 economic impact study estimated the gold mine’s positive impact one year after commercial operation commenced in 2017.
- A 2025 study shows an astonishing increase, demonstrating the legacy-building influence of the modern mining operation.
Click here to read the 2025 economic impact study.
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.
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.
Team Stories
When J.P. Byrd was a little boy his Dad often had to call for him to come inside after dark. J.P. was always in the same place – his sandbox…