Mineral Information Institute - Reclamation Successes

While the decision to proceed with mine-out and closure of the Homestake Gold Mine was made in late 2000, reclamation planning for the mine had been underway for several years. The company has a long-held policy to reclaim and restore mine lands to other productive land uses in a timely manner. To achieve this objective, the company requires all mines to prepare reclamation plans and to update those plans as required. Regular environmental, health and safety audits review plan maintenance, issue identification and resolution, and cost estimation.

*Migratory waterfowl are regular visitors to many Homestake operations*	Unlike most mines today, the 125 year-old Homestake Mine was largely constructed before the advent of modern environmental laws and planning requirements. Reclamation plan development required the collection of baseline information such as regional hydrology and geochemistry characterization. Major considerations for reclamation planning include community expectations, historic preservation requirements, site cleanup, and environmental restoration. Investigations completed in 1999 on approximately 10,000 acres previously owned by others in the vicinity of the Homestake Mine identified 194 mine openings abandoned by previous owners. Homestake initiated reclamation efforts during 2000 and, following measures to protect potential wildlife habitat including bat habitat, permanently closed 96 mine openings. All remaining openings will be closed during 2001.
*Homestake’s KCGM’s nursery provides native plant seedlings for revegetation efforts.*	*The Homestake Mine, Lead, South Dakota*
Another example is the reclamation of the historic Wasp and Bismark Mines, approximately two mines south of the Homestake Mine. Reclamation focused on the removal of mine tailings left by others that were prone to erosion into Whitewood Creek. Homestake excavated over 270,000 cubic yards of tailings and reclaimed the area. Today it resembles its pre-mining condition with historical descriptions and mining equipment left for viewing by hikers along the adjacent Mikelson Trail.	*The reclaimed Wasp Mine in South Dakota*
Homestake has had a policy of reclaiming disturbed land concurrently with mining for decades, resulting in significant benefits for wildlife and the general environment. To achieve contemporaneous reclamation, the company requires that reclamation plans be developed prior to mine startup and to be updated routinely through the life of the mine. This focus has provided Homestake opportunities to address issues early and avoid or minimize environmental effects and reclamation costs.	*Restoration efforts by Homestake have helped establish a productive fishery within Whitewood Creek, South Dakota*
*Emu are a common resident of reclaimed land at Homestake’s operations in Western Australia*	In addition, Homestake has focused on the reclamation of lands disturbed by others on the properties it now owns or leases. Reclamation of these areas is an example of Homestake’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community support. During 2000, Homestake permanently closed and reclaimed over 100 abandoned mines worldwide.

RECLAMATION SUCCESS

Homestake Mining Company - Mine Closure