The Golden Sunlight mine is an open pit gold mine in Jefferson County

Jefferson County, Montana

-National protected areas:*Deerlodge National Forest *Helena National Forest -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 10,049 people, 3,747 households, and 2,847 families residing in the county. The population density was 6 people per square mile . There were 4,199 housing units at an...

, Montana

Montana

Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...

, approximately 25 mi (40 km) east of Butte, Montana

Butte, Montana

Butte is a city in Montana and the county seat of Silver Bow County, United States. In 1977, the city and county governments consolidated to form the sole entity of Butte-Silver Bow. As of the 2010 census, Butte's population was 34,200...

. The mine sits at an elevation of 6000 ft (1,829 m) on the Bull Mountain range. The mine has been in operation since 1975, and in 2008, the mine produced 120000 ounces (3,401,943 g) of gold. The mine's proprietors estimate reserves at approximately 540000 oz (15,308,742 g). The mine processes gold-ore at nearby facilities in Whitehall

Whitehall, Montana

Whitehall is a town in Jefferson County, Montana, United States. The population was 1,044 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Helena Micropolitan Statistical Area.Newscaster Chet Huntley graduated from Whitehall High School in 1929.-Geography:...

. In total, mine operations employ approximately 150 people.

The mine has been the subject of criticism for delays in environmental reclamation efforts.