Northern Lights put on a magically dance above Fort Knox. Photo by Shyanna P.
General Manager Message
Dear Team,
I want to begin by addressing the tragic accident that occurred on the morning of September 30 involving one of our contractor trucks and a sedan on the Richardson Highway. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Temitayo Iyanu Kalejaiye, who tragically lost his life in this accident. We remain fully cooperative with authorities and are committed to ensuring that we, as a company, uphold the highest standards of safety on and off the road.
The loss of life is always a profound tragedy, and I know many of us are deeply affected. This moment serves as a somber reminder that safety must remain our utmost priority in everything we do. Whether on the highway or within our operations, our commitment to safety is paramount. Together, we must remain vigilant, take responsibility for ourselves and those around us and continue to build a culture of care and awareness that ensures every member of our community returns home safely each day.
Despite the difficult circumstances, I want to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved this quarter. We have successfully completed two major Manh Choh ore processing campaigns. In July, our first campaign processed 210,000 tons of ore, producing 55,000 ounces of gold. The second campaign, in August, processed another 209,000 tons and produced 49,000 ounces. These two campaigns exceeded our targets and exemplified the dedication, teamwork and operational efficiency we strive for every day (101/0). I extend my gratitude to all teams involved in making this possible.
Additionally, our third-quarter production and financial performance has been outstanding. We produced 120,657 attributable ounces of gold, surpassing our budget of 94,608 ounces by an impressive 28%. As a result, through the end September, we are now ahead of budget year-to-date, with 243,919 attributable ounces produced, 8% higher than our budgeted 226,375 ounces. These results are a testament to your hard work, focus and commitment to excellence.
While we celebrate these milestones, we must remember that none of this would be possible without a steadfast commitment to safety. As we move forward, let us ensure that safety is staunchly integrated into all our operations and everything we do. Together, we will continue to deliver results while safeguarding the well-being of our people, our contractors, and our communities.
Thank you for your dedication and let us continue striving for excellence — safely.
Sincerely,
Terence Watungwa, Vice President and General Manager, Kinross Alaska
Environmental Update: Reseeding Begins at Manh Choh
Before Kinross was given approval to begin operations at Manh Choh, the permitting team compiled the Manh Choh Project Reclamation and Closure Plan. The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines for implementing stabilization and reclamation procedures for the various facilities associated with the mine site. It is a comprehensive plan used to return land disturbed by mining operations to a stabilized condition, providing long-term protection of land and water resources. A similar plan was followed to reclaim Kinross’ 2,050-acre True North, Alaska’s first large gold mine to have completed reclamation and restoration of a mineral development.
Kinross is committed to concurrent reclamation of portions of the site during operations. The Environmental team coordinated over 100 acres of seeding this fall to aid in stabilization and, ultimately, reclamation. Seed mix native to Alaska is carefully chosen for application. For areas with safe vehicle access, a hydroseed truck was used to spray a slurry onto the ground, establishing vegetation and controlling erosion. For inaccessible areas, aerial seed application was used. This involved utilizing a Dromader M-18A (see photo) to precisely disperse the slurry. This will ensure uniform growth and sustainable land management. Our Kinross operations are a strong example of how mines can sustainably co-exist with ecosystems and nearby populations.
GM for a Day – Fort Knox
GM for a day went off without a hitch at Fort Knox and was seen as another success by all involved. Felicia Manuel, a haul truck driver, and Andrew Gale, a drill operator, were the lucky ones nominated due to their dedication to a safe work environment and their extraordinary leadership skills.
Their day started out with a farewell lunch for Jarrett Kemmerly, where everyone enjoyed sharing their appreciation as well as some really good food. They later attended a P11, P12 and P13 review, which they found engaging.
“This experience was very cool,” said Andrew. The idea of including employees who might not otherwise get an opportunity to see this side of things is very informative and the main reason why GM for a Day is so important – Taking those employees who exhibit a drive for success and showing them a broader picture of how Kinross operates can only help make our company even better.
Community Investments & Outreach
Family Berry Day – Manh Choh
Manh Choh celebrated its first Family Day with our employees and business partners on July 30. The theme was “Berries,” recognizing the bounty of wild Alaska berries that we are fortunate to have in our local communities.
The day consisted of a mine tour, delicious BBQ catered by Arctic Catering, gold panning, games for kids and adults, door prizes and a dessert-baking contest. The winner of the dessert contest was our very own Manh Choh Security Supervisor Michael Thompson’s daughter. She made a delicious dump cake with a variety of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.
UAF Blue and Gold Celebration
At this year’s Blue & Gold Celebration, donors contributed nearly $163,000 to support scholarships for University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) students. Presented by Kinross Alaska, the event brought together 250 local leaders and university supporters, featuring performances from an all-UAF alumni band and a live painting demonstration by UAF student Kyle Agustines. The room was broken into two teams to help create a competitive spirit, and the gold team triumphed in the pledge competition, raising $49,341, while the blue team garnered $43,750.
Tom Hough, UAF’s executive director of university advancement, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. Additionally, Dale Durrwachter, a retired Fairbanks teacher and principal donated $29,000 to the Kinross Future Leaders Fund, citing that it aligned with his values of supporting youth development. The evening also honored the 2024 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Service Award recipients, celebrating excellence within the UAF community.
LOVA Nominee Celebrations
Last month, we hosted LOVA lunches at both sites, celebrating our Living Our Values Award nominations. We received an impressive total of 468 nominations, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our incredible team.
This is Kinross’s 16th year recognizing employees for living our core values:
- High Performance Culture
- Outstanding Corporate Citizenship
- Putting People First
- Rigorous Financial Discipline
Breast Cancer Awareness – Alaska
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. It is recommended to learn more about breast self-examination to increase chances for early detection.
Every year, Kinross recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness month to bring awareness and promote early detection to celebrate survivors and recognize those who have lost their battle with cancer.
This year, Kinross Alaska participated in many activities across the Interior of Alaska, from Manh Choh to Fort Knox.
Some noted activities included: Manh Choh hosted a BBQ for employees and business partners at the mine site. To raise awareness, we sponsored downtown streetlight banners in Tok and Fairbanks, displaying the sobering statistic that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, reminding everyone of the importance of regular mammograms.
In collaboration with local coffee shops, we placed stickers on cups featuring QR codes that directed customers to sign up for annual mammograms through the Breast Cancer Detection Center (BCDC) of Alaska.
At Fort Knox there were lunches focused on education and special pink blasts to honor survivors. Decals were placed on vehicles and a snowman holding a pink ribbon greeted everyone at the door of the mine.
Additionally, Kinross Alaska supported BCDC’s mobile mammogram truck as it toured Tok and Delta, ensuring access to vital screenings. Our on-site healthcare provider joined our efforts, writing referrals so that no one would be turned away. Together, we strengthened the Interior’s commitment to breast cancer awareness and prevention with the goal of early detection for all.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer – Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, Kinross Alaska served as the title sponsor of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, demonstrating our commitment to supporting vital cancer research and awareness. We also rallied our community by assembling the largest walking team, showcasing the collective strength and dedication of our employees and supporters in the fight against breast cancer. Together, we made a meaningful impact and helped raise awareness for this important cause!
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration – Manh Choh
October 14 is Indigenous People’s Day, and Manh Choh recognized this important day by hosting a luncheon at the mine site featuring Indian tacos, blueberry cake and smoked salmon dip. Tetlin tribal members Priscilla Joe and Dorren Mark shared their culture, beadwork and stories with the Manh Choh workforce.
Orange Shirt Day
Every year on September 30, we observe Orange Shirt Day, a powerful day of remembrance and reflection dedicated to honoring the survivors and the victims who were abused or died in the Alaska Native and Canadian residential school systems. The day is sponsored by the Orange Shirt Society, a nonprofit organization based in Williams Lake, B.C., which was formed to create awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of Indian Residential Schools with the purpose of supporting Indian Residential School Reconciliation and promoting the truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS.
Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, who recounted the story of her first day at school when her new orange shirt — given to her by her grandmother — was taken away. This act symbolized the loss of culture, identity and childhood that many Indigenous children experienced. The orange shirt has since become a symbol of the resilience of Indigenous peoples and a reminder of the importance of reconciliation.
As we wear our orange shirts, let’s commit to learning more about this history and supporting the ongoing efforts for justice and reconciliation. Together, we can honor those who suffered and contribute to a future built on understanding and respect.
Walk to School Day – Manh Choh
Our Manh Choh safety team and employees enthusiastically participated in AGSD’s Walk to School Day, providing vital crosswalk assistance and traffic control to ensure a safe experience for all students. In addition to our safety efforts, we added a fun twist by hosting a friendly competition for the most-creative pink outfits in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The vibrant display of pink not only raised awareness for this important cause but also fostered a sense of community spirit and support among participants. Together, we made the day both safe and meaningful!
Cornerstone Youth Facility – Tok
Kiewit and Kinross each donated $10,000 to the Cornerstone Youth Center in Tok and took part in their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was filled with good food and smiles. This new facility addresses a critical need in our community by providing a welcoming space where members can gather and youth can feel supported. As winter approaches and outdoor activities become limited, the importance of such a facility grows, offering a safe haven for young people to engage in positive activities and connect with peers. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the many local businesses and community members who helped make the event a success by donating raffle baskets for the fundraiser, ensuring that the Cornerstone Youth Center can thrive and continue to serve our community!
WEIO Tickets – Fairbanks
This year, we had the opportunity to sponsor tickets to the World Eskimo Indian Olympics (WEIO) in response to a call-to-action to support youth and low-income families attending this important cultural event. By purchasing tickets and donating them to the Fairbanks Native Association’s Johnson O’Malley Program and the Alaska Center for Resource Families, we aimed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate. We believe that access to educational events like WEIO is vital for preserving traditions and celebrating the rich diversity of tribes across the state, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our cultural heritage.
Fourth of July – Tok
Kinross partnered with the Tetlin Wildlife Preserve on the Fourth of July to serve lunch to raise funds for Tok’s annual festivities. In addition, we also participated in the parade with a float, handing out over 2,000 frozen treats to parade-goers, spreading joy and making the day even more special. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community and contribute to the vibrant spirit of the holiday!
Hutch High School Welding Tour – Fort Knox
In what is now shaping up to be an annual tour, we welcomed the Hutchison High School welding class to Fort Knox for an in-depth look at welding careers in mining! This visit is part of our ongoing commitment to promoting local hire and training opportunities, and investing in our community through education and outreach.
For many of these students, it was a unique and meaningful experience, especially since several have parents working at the mine. Seeing the mining industry up close and learning about welding’s vital role in our operations offered a new look at exciting career possibilities.
We are proud to support the next generation of skilled workers and help pave the way for a strong local workforce!
Employee Recipe: Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef or moose
- 1 onion diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 ½ tablespoons chili powder divided, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 19 ounces canned red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup beer
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine ground beef and 1½ tablespoons chili powder.
- In a large pot, brown ground beef, onion, jalapeno and garlic. Drain any fat.
- Add in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes or until chili has reached desired thickness.
- Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings.
Extra: Beer can be added to give more flavor to the broth or use bone broth for extra protein!
Welcome to Kinross Alaska
From August to September
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Edward Hoeldt | Support Svc & Prep Lab Supv |
| Neale Columb | Chief Geologist |
| Vitaly Pastukhov | Financial Controller |
| Alex Martin | Mill Manager |
| Sean Bracken | Business Development Manager |
| Jimmy Johnny | Assay/Fire Technician |
| Keegan Daoust | Equipment Operator |
| Matthew Bennett | MEM Mechanic |
| Kirill Kompaniets | Chief Geologist |
| Matthew Nelson | Equipment Operator |
| Jared Bolton | Buyer |
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