EPA opposes Kershaw gold mine expansion

AP: Federal environmental regulators oppose plans to reopen and expand a gold mine in Kershaw and Lancaster counties. The State newspaper reported Friday the Environmental Protection Agency says the project could threaten drinking water, wildlife and creeks. Romarco Minerals of Toronto wants to reopen the Haile gold Mine and expand it to extract tiny bits of gold that previous mining operations could not reach. The mine first started in the early 1800s and operated periodically until about 1990. It would be nearly 900 feet deep and a mile wide. Officials have said the mine would employ 800 people. The EPA worries the mine would destroy 162 acres of wetlands and seven miles of creeks. The agency says it might reconsider if further studies are done to address the concerns.