More environmental study on SC gold mine expansion

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Plans to reopen and expand a gold mine in Lancaster County have been delayed while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts more study.

The State newspaper reported Wednesday the engineers will study the impact on wetlands from the request by Romarco Minerals Inc. to reopen and expand the mine near Kershaw.

Romarco has said as many as 800 jobs could be created by plans for what would become the largest gold mine east of the Mississippi River.

The plan calls for digging up or filling 162 acres of wetlands and more than seven miles of streams. The Corps’ Richard Darden says the project would have a significant impact.

The company had hoped to be producing gold bars by 2013, but says the study will delay plans for a year.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com