All three Jefferson County Commissioners had glowing words for the Golden Sunlight Mine in Whitehall when the Corporate Director for Social Responsibility for U.S. Operations of Barrick Gold stopped in last week.
“Mostly my job is to see that we’re being a good and active neighbor,” Rebecca Darling told the commissioners April 10.
In the area for several days last week, Darling met with mine staff, community members and area government agencies as well as leaders of some area non-profit groups.
Barrick, the parent company for the mine in Whitehall, is interested in developing its “social investment” by working in partnership with area organizations to foster programs and projects that can be sustainable even after the end of the mine’s life, Darling said.
The areas which the corporation is most interested in supporting, she said, are education, environment, economic development and cultural heritage.
Commissioner Leonard Wortman said he anticipates the commission will be asking Barrick for support on the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame project if that proceeds.
Asked whether the corporation would do impact funds to help the community when the mine closes, Darling said they prefer to work through an existing foundation that has an existing governance board. She suggested the Elkhorn Community Foundation submit an application available through mine officials or online.
She said there are keys to submitting a successful application:
- be specific about what is wanted and how it would benefit Golden Sunlight Mine’s reputation;
- explain where else funding is coming from;
- and don’t wait until the last minute to apply.
Commissioner Bob Mullen praised the support the mine has provided to the area. “From my point of view, you’re great to do business with,” he said, adding, “I understand you do many, many, many wonderful things for Whitehall.”
Commissioner Cory Kirsch said the CTAC committee set up in Whitehall to facilitate communication between the mine and community has been invaluable. “They’ve been very transparent and open with what they’re doing,” he said of GSM officials.
“They’ve been extremely good to work with,” added Commissioner Wortman.
