New study finds Haile Gold Mine generates more than $700 million in annual economic impact across South Carolina
June 2, 2025
A new economic impact study conducted by the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business confirms that Haile Gold Mine, located near Kershaw, SC, continues to be a powerful driver of economic growth in Lancaster County, the surrounding region, and across South Carolina.
The 2025 Study estimates the Haile Gold Mine’s total annual economic impact at $717.5 million statewide, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significant labor income.
Highlights of the 2025 Economic and Social Impact Study
- 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.
- Expanding the scope to the surrounding six-county region (Lancaster, Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, and York counties), the Haile Gold Mine’s positive economic impact increases to $634.0 million annually, supporting 1,413 jobs and $117.8 million in labor income.
- 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 supports 1,833 jobs statewide and $141.8 million in annual labor income.
- Cumulative economic impact of the Haile Gold Mine on South Carolina is projected to total more than $9.3 billion by 2037.
“These numbers emphasize the important role of Haile Gold Mine as a key economic driver in South Carolina. These incredible economic contributions include jobs, wages, procurement of goods and services, and increased household spending. Together, these are fueling prosperity into our local home county, the surrounding region and our state,” said Matt Warner, Asset President of Haile Gold Mine. “The average salary for a Haile team member exceeds regional incomes. This can be life changing for our local residents. We want to thank the community for trusting us to operate and contribute to the economy in such a powerful way.”
“Our commitment to responsible mining goes beyond simply producing gold – it’s also how we can create opportunities and benefits for our local communities. I couldn’t be prouder to be doing what we do while creating good, well-paying jobs, supporting local businesses, and helping to strengthen our local and regional economies.”
Background to the Economic Impact Study
The 2025 Study is the third time the Haile Gold Mine has engaged the University of South Carolina to analyze the gold mine’s economic impact and the results show significant positive contributions over each of the three reports, with results increasing exponentially particularly between the 2018 and 2025 Reports.
The Haile Gold Mine has a history dating back 200 years in Lancaster County, but only in 2017 did commercial production relaunch.
- The initial 2012 economic impact study estimated the gold mine’s positive impact if the mine was allowed to reopen.
- The 2018 economic impact study estimated the gold mine’s positive impact one year after commercial operation commenced in 2017.
- And this 2025 study demonstrates the legacy-building influence of the modern mining operation.
As South Carolina’s only active gold mine, Haile Gold Mine remains focused on long-term economic stability, responsible operations, and continued investment in the local workforce.
About Haile Gold Mine
OceanaGold’s Haile Gold Mine is the only operating gold mine east of the Mississippi River. Located in Lancaster County, South Carolina, the mine employs over 800 people and produced more than 212,000 ounces of gold in 2024. Committed to hiring locally, 85% of Haile’s workforce resides in the surrounding community, further distributing the mine’s economic benefits through support for local businesses. For more information on Haile, please visit www.hailegoldmine.com.
OceanaGold Corporation is an intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safe and responsible production. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: OGC) and has a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the U.S.; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi mines in New Zealand. For more information on OceanaGold, please visit www.oceanagold.com.
