Dakota Gold is proposing a large-scale mine on privately-controlled land around Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill is by the existing Wharf Mine near Lead in the northern Black Hills. The company has done extensive drilling in the Richmond Hill and Maitland areas. Their plan is to mine both gold that would be heap leached and gold that would be milled. 

The Richmond Hill area drains into Spearfish Canyon to its west and into False Bottom Creek to the east. We will not know much more about the exact waters that could be contaminated until the company files its mine application.    

Gold mining and processing have a dark history in the Black Hills. They have led to two Superfund sites in the Hills and water contamination that can be measured at least 175 miles downstream. The Wharf Mine has had almost 200 leaks and spills of hazardous materials.  

The company has filed with the SD Board of Minerals and Environment for permission to hire Dakota Institute, a contractor from Sioux Falls, to do a socioeconomic study on the proposed project. In addition to doing a socioeconomic study, the company would need to receive a full large-scale mine permit and show that the lands involved are not “SECU” lands that are special, exceptional, critical, or unique.  

 Dakota Gold is based in Lead, SD, and is operating under an agreement with Barrick Gold, one of the world’s largest gold companies. 

The state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources expects a mine permit application from the company in late 2025 or early 2026. This process, if the company continues with its plan, would include opportunities for public involvement. We encourage everyone to watch our website and other news sources for more information.

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