Company looks at mining gold near Spearfish Canyon

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SAVOY (AP) — A state official says an existing gold mine site near Spearfish Canyon could become fully operational.

Mike Cepak of DENR's Minerals and Mining Department tells the media that preliminary discussions have begun with the Valentine Mining Company to investigate the Ragged Top Project site.

It would be a surface mining operation, expected to run for several years and produce about 20,000 ounces of gold per year.

Ragged Top's permit was approved by state regulators in 1984 for the Homestake Mining Company. But just relic mining — not modern mining — has been done within its boundaries.

The permit has changed hands several times, but Valentine is looking to attain a new one because the proposed mine boundaries are larger than the 122 acres allowed.

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