At our core, we believe being a good neighbour goes beyond operating safely and responsibly. It’s about creating lasting impacts that benefit our host communities long after our mines close.
Those who live and work in rural areas across the United States know a critical truth: limited access to healthcare is a significant issue.
With lived experience of the challenges in accessing healthcare in rural areas, Nickoli (Nick) Riggins, Environmental, External Affairs and Social Performance Manager at our Haile Gold Mine in South Carolina, saw an opportunity to support new physicians’ residencies and expand the number of qualified doctors trained in critical needs locally.
“Ensuring everyone has access to quality care, no matter where they live is important,” said Nick.
That’s when OceanaGold partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), which led to Haile Gold Mine pledging US$250,000 over the next five years to MUSC to support the growing demand for physicians in South Carolina, particularly in rural and underserved areas such as Lancaster County.
“At Haile Gold Mine, we’re proud to play a role in improving healthcare access in our local communities,” said Matt Warner, Haile Gold Mine Asset President. “This partnership with MUSC not only strengthens the health care infrastructure but also creates a lasting, positive impact on the health and quality of life for our neighbors. By investing in medical education, we’re investing in the future of this region.”
This funding will help support the new primary care residency training program at MUSC Health Lancaster Medical Center. At full capacity, the program will create approximately 50 new resident positions to serve the community. Through this program, MUSC aims to create a first-rate physician pipeline in Lancaster, crucial for delivering medical care to the local community.
In a state like South Carolina, where currently 27% of residents live in rural areas and have limited access to care, it’s vital to work together to bridge these gaps and invest in resources for a healthier future.
“Being a good neighbour means more than just operating responsibly — it means making sure we’re contributing to something that will last well beyond the life of our mine. That’s really at the heart of why we’re committed to investing in the future of this community. We want to help create sustainable growth — whether supporting education, community services, or investing in healthcare — that sticks around long after we’re gone,” said Nick.
He added that the socioeconomic benefits of this partnership will be transformative as it not only improves medical care but strengthens the local economy. Every doctor brings about two million dollars in economic growth to a community, plus new jobs and services offered.
The team feels fortunate to be part of a community that supports our operations.
“That kind of support matters, and it’s something we don’t take for granted. So, we see it as our responsibility to give back in meaningful ways. Being a leader and a partner in the community isn’t just a nice idea — it’s part of how we do business,” he said.
