Sanford's first $15 million arrives at Homestake

By Bill Harlan, Journal staff
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The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority has received $15 million from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford -- the first of three installments of a $70 million pledge to help build an underground laboratory at the Homestake gold mine in Lead.

"This gift from Mr. Sanford is one more indication to the scientific community that South Dakota and Mr. Sanford are strongly committed to this project," Gov. Mike Rounds said in a written statement.

The science authority is using Sanford's gift to open the mine to a depth of 4,850 feet, where an interim lab will be built.

The National Science Foundation has selected Homestake as the site for a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory, which would be 7,400 feet underground.

Scientists and state officials say a working Sanford Laboratory at 4,850 feet will help demonstrate that a deeper DUSEL is feasible. Experiments at the Sanford lab could be under way by late this year or early next year.

The NSF has awarded scientists $15 million to develop a detailed DUSEL plan, which would need approval from the National Science Board, the White House and Congress.

Science authority executive director Dave Snyder said, the $15 million would be use to continue "refurbishing and constructing infrastructure" in the mine, which was sealed shut in 2003.

Since then, the mine, which is 8,000 feet deep, has been slowly filling with water. Water is approaching the 4850 level, and contractors are racing to install underground pumps.

Sanford is expected to make the next installment, of $20 million, before the end of this year.

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