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 and surrounding areas.
After the first discovery of gold in 1827 in South Carolina, Haile Gold Mine has been one of the longest-lasting and highest-producing gold mines in the eastern United States. Since OceanaGold reopened the mine in 2017, we have invested millions in development, equipment, and construction, generating a significant economic impact for the region.
When people talk about the impact of Haile, they usually only think about gold production. But a recent study shows that what our team is building there goes way beyond that — and the numbers are bigger than ever.
An economic impact study* completed by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business found that Haile generates USD $717.5 million in positive economic impact across South Carolina every year. From creating jobs to supporting local businesses, the work happening there is helping drive growth not just in Lancaster County, but across the entire region and the state.
“Our commitment to responsible mining goes beyond gold production — it strengthens the economy, creates jobs, and supports local businesses,” said Asset President Matt Warner. “These numbers show the lasting difference we’re making together.”
This is the third time Haile has asked the university to measure the mine’s economic contribution. This year’s study shows just how far we’ve come — with bigger numbers and a broader reach.
Here’s a closer look:
- Haile 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 direct and indirect 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 million a year, supporting more than 1,400 direct and indirect jobs.
- Statewide, Haile’s operations fuel $717.5 million annually — a 503% increase over projections from 2012.
- The cumulative economic impact of Haile through 2037 is projected to exceed $9.3 billion.
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 directly employed, and 75% of our employees live in the surrounding areas. The average annual wage of our employees significantly exceeds median household income to other major industries in the surrounding region.
Significant local spending
Haile spends more than $15.5 million per month locally through labour costs and the purchase of local goods and services. That 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.
As South Carolina’s only active gold mine, our team looks forward to continuing to be a strong community partner for years to come.
“We are proud to contribute to the economic vitality of South Carolina while prioritizing sustainability and community partnerships. Our operation creates ripple effects that benefit local families and business alike. Haile Gold Mine is more than a source of gold, we’re a catalyst for opportunity and progress,” said Matt.
Want to learn more about the 2025 Economic Impact Study? Watch the video below:
* Economic impact is measured by estimating how the expenditures (or purchases) of the Haile Gold Mine increase the demand for goods and services in the local economy. Economic impacts measured include: direct impacts, in the form of wages and benefits, direct procurement of goods and services, and other operating costs; indirect impacts, reflecting additional economic impacts resulting from inter-industry linkages; and induced impacts, reflecting increased household spending due to increased local jobs and wages. Total Economic Impact is the dollar value representing the total contribution of Haile Gold Mine to overall economic activity as measured by region.
