Lead in Lawrence County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Open Cut
In 1981 Homestake Mining Company began a test drilling program to determine how much ore was left in the Open Cut. A "Test Pit" was mined in 1983 and 1984 near the former townsite of Terraville in the North end of the Cut.
As a result of this successful test, full-scale open pit operations began in 1985. Mining of the historic Open Cut is expected to continue to the year 2000. By then the Open Cut will be approximately 1800 feet wide, 4500 feet long and 960 feet deep.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1876.
Location. 44° 21.134′ N, 103° 45.8′ W. Marker is in Lead, South Dakota, in Lawrence County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (U.S. 85) and Bleeker Street, on the left on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 160 West Main Street, Lead SD 57754, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ray Davis and the Homestake Experiment (here, next to this marker); Homestake Open Cut Mine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Homestake Gold Mine and Open Cut (within shouting distance of this marker); Sweatman Art Memorial / Finnish Lutheran Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Homestake Gas-Powered Locomotive (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pneumatic Rock Drill (about 500 feet away); The First National (Norwest) Bank (about 600 feet away); Homestake One Ton, End Dump Ore Car (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lead.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,349 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on August 22, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on August 21, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.