BUILDING TRUST IN THE HOMESTAKE DISTRICT

How Hy-Tech Drilling's shared safety, community engagement and environmental stewardship values supported Dakota Gold's promising campaign.

CASE STORY

Dakota Gold is an exploration and development company focused on advancing its gold projects in the Homestake District of South Dakota. Their approach blends sustainability with innovative technology to enhance resource potential and operational efficiency.

The Richmond Hill and Maitland Gold Projects both located in the Homestake District are flagship initiatives for Dakota Gold. It targets regions of historical gold mining significance, particularly near the former Homestake Mine, using modern techniques to uncover untapped reserves. More than just a technical effort, the project is grounded in a commitment to economic development, environmental responsibility, and genuine community engagement.

About The Project

Situated near Deadwood and Lead, South Dakota, the projects in the Homestake District build on the rich legacy of the Homestake Mine-one of the most prolific gold mines in U.S. history. Following its closure, exploration efforts shifted to surrounding high-potential zones identified for their strong mineralization prospects.

Dakota Gold focused its campaign on two such targets: the Richmond Hill and Maitland properties. Both are positioned to extend the region’s gold-producing legacy, combining modern exploration techniques with a deep respect for the land’s historical and cultural significance.

The challenge

The early stages of the Dakota Gold drilling campaign showed success, but the company was mindful of the sensitivities in the area due to the projects proximity to local landowners and the high public visibility of the area.

The Homestake District, also known as the Black Hills region, is not only a site of mineral interest but also a tourism hub, with a tight-knit community and heightened expectations for environmental responsibility and corporate behavior.

BEYOND METERS DRILLED, DAKOTA GOLD NEEDED A PARTNER WHO COULD:

  • Maintain nonstop, year-round drilling operations without disturbing landowners or the tourist economy.
  • Handle busy summer traffic while ensuring operational efficiency.
  • Manage water effectively to avoid environmental contamination.
  • Represent Dakota Gold as an extension of their team, embodying values of trust, integrity, and local integration.
  • Support the company’s high safety standards and community transparency.

The solution

Hy-Tech Drilling saw exceptional alignment between its own values and Dakota Gold’s expectations. A specialized crew was assembled not only for their technical skill, but for their readiness to embed within the local community.

Their internal training and onboarding systems ensured in that team members were well-prepared to operate in a sensitive environment.

Technical Execution

Hy-Tech implemented a water management plan using trucks and tanks-eliminating the need for a centrifuge-and deployed directional drilling to hit targets with precision. Blow-out preventers and cemented casing were used to protect underground aquifers. The team upheld government standards rigorously, particularly when closing off drill holes in sensitive zones.
Operational Discipline & Alignment

Hy-Tech Drilling saw exceptional alignment between its own values and Dakota Gold’s expectations. A specialized crew was assembled not only for their technical skill, but for their readiness to embed within the local community.

Their internal training and onboarding systems ensured in that team members were well-prepared to operate in a sensitive environment.
 Community Integration

Recognizing the need to be seen as community members, not just contractors, Hy-Tech’s crew made a concerted effort to support local businesses and minimize disruption. Their presence was designed to leave no footprint-from fuel and supplies purchased locally to respectful use or roads and shared infrastructure.

The Results

Since starting work in 2022, Hy-Tech Drilling’s performance at the Richmond Hill and Maitland Gold Projects has led to four straight contract renewals. The partnership has helped Dakota Gold meet its exploration goals while upholding high standards for safety and community engagement.

  • 1.5 years incident-free, supported by integrated safety systems and joint inspections.
  • Consistently hit footage-per-day targets, even on deeper holes with BOP systems-on time and on budget.
  • Gained access to private land through trust built with local stakeholders.
  • Supported the local economy by sourcing fuel, meals, and services nearby.
  • Hosted visits from South Dakota senators, the governor, and university geoscience students.
Following one site tour, Dakota Gold shared:

As always, the drills and roads looked great. Sometimes it is hard to see how impeccable the crew maintains the site because we’re always in a mindset of self evaluation and constantly looking for ways we can improve, but that’s the testament we should have.”

Hy-Tech’s ability to pair technical execution with community integration has strengthened Dakota Gold’s U.S. operations and reputation. The trust built has since opened doors at the Coeur Wharf Mine and laid the foundation for a permanent presence in Rapid City.

What began as a one-year contract has become a long-term collaboration grounded in communication, shared values, and local respect.

Thank you, guys, for running a top-notch ship and guiding us all along the way.