Thursday, 26th April 2007 (2435 views)

Gold mining firm Wharf Resources has been given the green light to expand surface mining operations in the Lawrence County area of South Dakota, US.

The firm plans to cut back 40 acres of land to expand operations at the site near Terry Peak, allowing increased gold mining opportunities in the area and allow mining to continue until around 2010.

Wharf has won the blessing of the Lawrence County Commission, which this week claimed the company's expansion plans fell within county regulations, despite concerns from some environmental groups.

Critics of the plans felt that the company, which currently employs 125 people in the local area in mining and reclamation activities, would irreparably harm the landscape. However, the South Dakota department of environment and natural resources explained that it would not oppose the move unless the commission voted against it.

After the consultation, the commission voted 4-0 in favour of the expansion, reports the Laurence County Journal.

It claims the site produced some 62,471 ounces of gold in 2005, with the expansion allowing mining to continue for a further three years.

 

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