Photo by Shyanna Peringer.
General Manager Message
Safety starts with people. Every safe shift, every improvement and every success at Kinross Alaska comes from individuals looking out for one another and making good decisions.
As we work through Alaska’s changing seasons, let’s continue to focus on what matters most:
- Manage critical risks before work begins.
- Stay out of the Line of Fire by identifying moving equipment, stored energy, suspended loads and other hazards.
- Stop, Think, Communicate and reposition when conditions change.
- Implement our Safeground practices by learning from mistakes and near misses instead of looking for blame.
- Support your co-workers and speak up when something isn’t right.
Before every task, ask yourself:
Am I safe? Are my controls in place? Am I putting myself or someone else in the Line of Fire?
Together, we create a workplace where safety comes first, people support one another and everyone goes home safe and healthy.
I am proud of the work this team does every day. The challenges we face are real, but so are the talent, experience, commitment and determination across this workforce. Together, we have what it takes to overcome challenges, improve our performance and continue building a world-class operation.
As we move into Alaska’s darker months, remember that not everyone carries the same load. Shorter days, family commitments, stress and personal challenges can affect any of us at different times.
Take a moment to check in on your co-workers. Ask how they’re doing. Listen. Offer support when you can.
Sometimes a simple conversation, a kind word or knowing someone cares can make a meaningful difference.
If you’re finding things difficult, please know you’re not alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength and there is always someone willing to help.
Let’s continue to build a workplace where safety and people are our first priority, where learning is valued, where people support one another and where every employee understands that they are an important part of the solution.
Everyone Home Safe. Every Shift. Every Day.
Francisco Gonsalves
General Manager, Kinross Alaska
Employee Spotlight: Jessica Martinez — Buyer
Where are you from? Born and raised in North Pole and Fairbanks, Alaska.
What was your first job? My first job was as a preschool teacher at a church school when I was 18.
What brought you to Kinross? My brother has worked here for many years and it seemed like a nice place to work.
What is one word that describes you? Loquacious.
Favorite music? I have a wide range of musical tastes, from Cradle of Filth to Taylor Swift. I am currently in an “Aurora” phase with what I like to listen to.
Favorite food? I just want a good sandwich.
Weirdest food you have eaten? I am not an adventurous eater. The weirdest would probably be the sticker on an apple because I was too lazy to take it off.
Favorite place? My house because it has my cats.
What are three items you would take on a deserted island? A pilot, helicopter and helicopter fuel.
Cats or dogs? Cats.
What does your perfect weekend look like? Playing video games at home with my friends.
Do you have a hobby or one you want to try? My hobby is gaming. I don’t currently have an interest in starting a new hobby.
Do you have any hidden talents? I can sound like a kazoo.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why? I would want to turn into any animal and see what that’s like — just not during hunting season.
What was a proud achievement in your working career? I haven’t been here long, but I think going from a custodian to a buyer is pretty neat.
Kinross, Trout Unlimited Launch 2nd Initiative Project
Kinross Gold has teamed up with Trout Unlimited to further our partnership under the Alaska Abandoned Mine Restoration Initiative by launching our second project, the Cripple Creek Restoration Project.
Cripple Creek is a tributary of the Chena River in Alaska and once served as a productive rearing stream for juvenile Chinook, or king, salmon. Over the decades, hydraulic mining, road building and housing development diverted water, disrupted flow and blocked fish passage.
Our partners, led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Interior Alaska Land Trust, will complete final engineering and design work in 2026 and then construct natural habitat features and remove all remaining barriers to fish migration. The total project budget is estimated at $1M-$1.25M, of which Kinross donated $360,000. Construction is planned for 2026-2027.
The Kinross investment will be used to restore juvenile Chinook rearing habitat and place fish culverts that are vital to the completion of the project.
What’s The Word?
How we operate matters just as much as what we produce.
Social performance is how we build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with the communities and people connected to our operations. Just as environmental and safety performance guide how we manage our physical impacts, social performance guides how we understand and manage our impacts on people. At Kinross, this means that, like our environmental and health and safety departments, we have a set of guiding documents called Social Performance Standards.
These standards include listening to community concerns, engaging with local and Indigenous stakeholders, supporting meaningful community investment, responding to grievances, understanding socioeconomic influences, managing social risks and impacts and creating opportunities for local participation and shared benefits.
Strong social performance is about more than being a good neighbor. It helps build trust and long-term relationships, supports our social license to operate and ensures community perspectives are considered throughout the entire mining lifecycle — from exploration and development through operations and eventual closure.
Ultimately, social performance means understanding that how we operate matters just as much as what we produce.
Standard of the Month
§ 56.17001 Illumination of Surface Working Areas
Illumination sufficient to provide safe working conditions shall be provided in and on all surface structures, paths, walkways, stairways, switch panels, loading and dumping sites and work areas.
MSHA Definition of “Sufficient Lighting”
Under 30 CFR § 56.17001, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines “sufficient lighting” as lighting that is adequate to provide safe working conditions in and on all surface structures, paths, walkways, stairways, switch panels, loading and dumping sites and work areas.
This means that illumination must be enough to allow workers to see clearly and perform tasks without risk of injury or equipment damage. The standard is performance-based — it focuses on whether the lighting enables safe operations rather than on a specific numerical light level.
Key points from MSHA’s approach:
- No required light meter readings: MSHA inspections do not require light measurements to determine if illumination is sufficient. Inspectors rely on direct observation of the work area and the tasks being performed.
- Safe visibility is the goal: The standard is designed to ensure that workers can see hazards, equipment and work surfaces clearly, especially during night or low-light operations.
- Examples of covered areas: Surface structures, walkways, stairways, switch panels, loading and dumping sites and general work areas.
Practical implication: If an inspector observes that lighting is inadequate to perform a task safely, even if a light meter reading later shows a certain lux or foot-candle level, MSHA can still cite a violation. Conversely, if lighting is clearly visible and safe, even if the light level is low, it may not be a violation. In summary, “sufficient lighting” under MSHA means lighting that allows safe, hazard-free work in all covered surface areas, judged by the inspector’s observation of working conditions rather than by a fixed light measurement.
Hand Injury Prevention
Once again, with hunting season here, we felt it was appropriate to mention knife safety. These safety tips are good for the field, at work or at home.
- Keep knives sharp and let others know when knives are newly sharpened. A sharp knife is always safer than a dull one. Less force is needed to use the knife, reducing the chance of slippage.
- Never touch knife blades. Always cut away from yourself.
- Use a knife only for its intended purpose. Use the appropriate knife for the cutting job.
- Place a damp cloth under a cutting board to prevent the board from slipping.
- When interrupted, stop cutting and place the knife down on a flat, secure surface. Never place knives near the edge of a countertop or table.
- Never leave a knife soaking in a sink of water.
- Let a falling knife fall. Step back and warn others. Do not try to catch the knife.
- Carry knives with the cutting edge angled slightly away from your body.
- To hand a knife to someone else, place it down on a clean surface and let the other person pick it up.
- Store knives properly in racks or knife sheaths.
Fire Prevention Topic
Heat With Care
It’s that time to Heat With Care!
Clean and inspect heaters. Keep 3 feet from combustibles. Recalls can be found at CPSC.gov.
Ensure chimneys are cleaned and inspected before ice accumulates on the roof.
Clean dryer ducts. It’s usually a quick and free form of insurance through the winter months.
Community Investments & Outreach
Alaska Resource Education Golf Tournament
Members of the Kinross Alaska team recently took to the links for Alaska Resource Education’s annual golf fundraiser, supporting the organization’s work to connect Alaska students with hands-on learning about the state’s natural resources and career opportunities.
Through programs for students and educators, Alaska Resource Education helps introduce young people to the industries and career paths that play an important role in Alaska’s economy. Kinross Alaska was glad to take part in this year’s fundraiser and help support these educational efforts across the state. P.S. our team was mighty – but placed far from first.
Eielson Airshow
Kinross members connected with visitors at Eielson Air Force Base’s Arctic Lightning Airshow, where they shared information about mining careers and provided a few resources to help attendees enjoy the event safely.
The team provided free ear protection and electrolyte packets to help attendees stay safe and hydrated while enjoying the airshow. Team members also spoke with visitors about what it’s like to work in Alaska’s mining industry and the career opportunities available with Kinross.
The event provided an opportunity to meet with families and community members, promote safety and introduce more people to the work happening at Kinross Alaska.
CR, HR and Mill employees spent 4 days talking with nearly 14,000 visitors while enjoying the air show at Eielson. It was a great community event with visitors coming from near and far to see the F35’s.
Fairbanks Children’s Museum
Kinross joined the Fairbanks Children’s Museum for Career Day at Pioneer Park, connecting with local families and helping young people learn more about the wide range of career opportunities available in Fairbanks and across Alaska.
Our team shared an introduction to geology through a hands-on Jelly Belly geologist activity and real core samples, giving kids and parents an opportunity to explore what geologists do and learn more about what lies beneath our feet.
Events like Career Day provide an opportunity to engage with the community, introduce young people to careers in mining and STEM and spark curiosity about the many paths available right here in Alaska.
Fort Knox Golf Tournament and Family Field Day
At the University of Alaska Fairbanks’s Indigenous Appreciation Games, we joined others to support a celebration of Alaska Native culture, community and tradition. Through our Giving Day challenge last March, we helped bring this season’s Indigenous Appreciation N7 jerseys to life. Paired with performances by the Troth Yeddha’ Dance Group, the event reflected what’s possible through strong community partnership, and we’re grateful to be part of that shared effort.
Employees and their families had a great time golfing followed by lunch at the Fairbanks Golf Tournament.
Golden Days Parade
Thirty years after Fort Knox poured its first gold, the mine remains an important part of the Fairbanks community. This year, Kinross Alaska marked the milestone alongside neighbors and longtime community members during the Golden Days parade, one of Fairbanks’ most cherished annual traditions.
Employees joined the celebration, helping mark three decades of mining in Interior Alaska and the many relationships built along the way. The parade was a fitting setting to celebrate Fort Knox’s history and look ahead to the years to come.
Community BBQs
Kinross Alaska welcomed more than 200 community members to our Friends and Family BBQs, bringing together families, neighbors and employees for an evening of food, conversation and activities.
Along with enjoying home-cooked meals provided by local community groups, attendees had the chance to learn more about the Manh Choh project, ask questions about community investment and explore employment opportunities in mining. Families also joined our team for hands-on activities including birdhouse building and gold panning while enjoying plenty of ice cream along the way.
We also announced the latest recipients of Manh Choh Community Foundation awards, with more details to come. Thank you to everyone who helped make these gatherings welcoming and memorable for our communities.
In Fox, Laura met with community members for a great meal and a fun day in the sun. This serves as an annual outreach engagement with the Fox community to receive candid feedback on how the operation is performing and if we are being a good neighbor.
American Legion
Kinross was an inaugural sponsor of the 1st annual wing cook off competition at the American Legion Riders Post 30. Proceeds from the event benefit our military veterans and their families. Laura was there to serve up wings with a side of ranch.
Ski Land
Brenna handed out berry buckets at the Ski Land Blueberry Festival and even picked some blueberries for herself. Ski Land is an “upside-down” ski area where visitors park at the top of the mountain and hike or walk down the trails.
Flu Shot
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Tok Fourth of July
The Fourth of July brought another chance for the Kinross Alaska team to join in the community celebrations in Tok. Now a Kinross tradition, employees handed out popsicles to parade spectators and volunteered at the annual community BBQ, grilling burgers and hot dogs for friends, neighbors and families.
It was a fun way to spend the holiday alongside the Tok community and contribute to a celebration that brings people together each year.
Employee Recipe: Autumn Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 5 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 large onion
- 4 medium parsnips
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining 3 teaspoons of oil to the Dutch oven.
- Add the onion, parsnips, carrots, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the broth and apples to the pot.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Stir in the vinegar.
- Serve warm.
Welcome to Kinross Alaska
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Jenna Thomson | Environmental Intern |
| Kailie Champagne | Exploration Intern |
| Hunter Johnson | MEM HVAC Technician |
| Anthony Lancaster | MEM Mechanic |
| Michael Hobson | Mine Technology Technician |
| Elias Steindorf | Geological Technician |
| Kevin Rybak | Dewatering Electrician |
| Nolan Johnson | MEM Welder |
| Kyle Osborn | Mill Operator |
| Louis Poland | MEM Laborer |
| Michael Bushke | Mill Operator |
| Valerio Meador | E&I Plant Technician |
| Dylan Curnutt | Equipment Operator |
| Derik Johnson | Equipment Operator |
| Christopher Ray | Equipment Operator |
| Hailey Jones | Equipment Operator |
| Christopher Woodcox | Equipment Operator |
| Elizabeth Vorbyov | Equipment Operator |
| Kenneth McKay | Equipment Operator |
| Leo Azizi | Equipment Operator |
| Vitaliy Koval | Equipment Operator |
| Derik Hayes | Geological Technician |
| Christian Santinelli | Equipment Operator |
| Alisha Bishop | Equipment Operator |
| Nickolis Floyd | Equipment Operator |
| Jason Vasvary | Equipment Operator |
| Joshua Lee | Mill Operator |
| Acadio Melvin | Mill Operator |
| Benedicta Acquah | Environmental Technician |
| Hayden Eastepp | Security Officer |
| Daniel Draper | Mill Operator |
| Frank Udarbe Jr. | Mill Operator |
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