LEAD - People who live in eastern South Dakota can learn more this week about a major West River project - the proposed underground science lab in the Black Hills.

Sanford Underground Lab Director Jose Alonso plans to hold free lectures in Brookings, Sioux Falls, Madison and Vermillion.

He'll report on the status of the conversion of the former Homestake Gold Mine at Lead and discuss how worldwide demand for such science labs is creating opportunities statewide.

The presentations start at 7 p.m. and will be today at South Dakota State University in Brookings, Tuesday at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, Wednesday at Dakota State University in Madison and Thursday at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.