State, mine officials sign Homestake pact

Plans are moving ahead for conversion of the Homestake mine in the SD Black Hills to an underground laboratory. The mine is one of two sites being considered by the National Science Foundation for setting up a deep underground research lab. For the Homestate, this would be at around 7400 feet below ground. The mine is 8000 feet deep.

While the NSF plans are still pending, SD Gov. Mike Rounds is pursuing plans for a state-financed lab to be started sooner at the 4800 foot level. In addition to being a research asset in its own right, this would also give Homestake a leg up in the NSF selection process.

The agreement with the mining company opens the way for the state to complete financing and to start to implement plans for the intermediate level lab.

A good move for the state.