Ore making its way from Gil to the crusher.
General Manager Message
Manh Choh Permits Received
I am pleased to announce that on May 15 we achieved a great milestone for the Manh Choh project through issuance of the permits. This was a critical step that unlocks the path for mine construction and commencement of mining operations, as well as the path to reach Kinross Alaska’s major strategic goal of producing 500,000 gold ounces per year beginning in 2025.
The permits were received within 2 ½ years of Manh Choh acquisition in September 2020. This significant accomplishment was largely made possible by the very early prioritization of permitting work, involving submitting all permit applications within 13 months of acquisition and completing all associated baseline studies within a year.
The collective team of about 120 people that worked on this project comprises 40 Kinross employees, 40 consultants and 40 regulators. The multi-disciplinary Kinross team includes Environmental Department, Community Relations, Technical Services, Supply Chain, Security and Corporate, just to name a few. The network of consultants encompasses wetland scientists, archeologists, hydrologists, air scientists, geochemists, permafrost experts, biologists, engineers, noise experts and NEPA experts.
Remarkably, while Manh Choh was being permitted the Environmental team also permitted Gil (NEPA and permits within six months) and Victoria Creek Waste Rock Dump, received regulatory approval for leaching on Barnes Creek Heap Leach and achieved final closure on True North. All of this work was done while creatively navigating through the backdrop of the pandemic, staff shortages in the Environmental department and dealing with the challenges of data collection that often involved using helicopters, hiking and snowshoeing.
I take this opportunity to extend my profound gratitude and appreciation to all our hardworking people who made this possible. Great job Team Alaska. Thank you for your expertise, dedication and efficient work leading to such a great and timely result for our future business plans. Special recognition to Bartly and Environmental department for demonstrating great leadership, urgency, commitment and excellent coordination and collaboration throughout the process.
Thank you everyone. Stay safe.
Terence Watungwa
Vice President & General Manager, Kinross Alaska
Ruby Campbell and Maria Buben, General Managers for a Day
By Brenna Schaake
This GM for a Day was a double hitter with Ruby Campbell from the Environmental team and Maria Buben from Crew 1 joining Terence on a day full of activities and insight. The trio reviewed ongoing modifications for the mill to take in Manh Choh ore, discussed how to best make the new haul truck break shack more efficient between crews, and listened in on how to work around a scheduled down shovel for a long period of time. The team was also able to visit with Chief Geologist Akira Rattenbury at one of the exploration drill sites.
One meeting that they found interesting was the quarterly Manh Choh community investment committee meeting. They were able to learn more about how the committee works together to evaluate and grant investment requests.
During the day they covered ideas on how to get more women involved in resource development. Ruby shared that when she grew up everyone in her family was treated the same and took on the same tasks so that everyone participated equally. She also said, “Representation is very important,” she said. “Seeing someone on that job makes it more realistic to you and then a future possibility.”
We agree Ruby! This year Kinross Alaska is working hard to bring more women to the site through programs like POWR, an all-women course led by Alaska Resource Education that travels around the state introducing high school women to jobs in the resource development industry. Keep an eye out for this class in the coming weeks and wave if you see them on site!
Two of Fort Knox’s Own are Awarded 2023 LOVAs
The 2023 Living Our Value Award (LOVA) winners have been announced and we are proud to be represented by Fort Knox Chief Geologist Akira Rattenbury, High Performance Culture Gold winner and Fort Knox External Affairs Supervisor Brenna Schaake Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Silver winner. To have two Alaska employees chosen from 3,591 nominations across Kinross Gold’s international operations is a great testament to Fort Knox’s team as a whole.
The two will join the other LOVA winners in Toronto this fall for a week filled with fun activities, sightseeing and more, including the awards gala where they will accept their award from our CEO.
Congratulations Brenna and Akira! Thank you for all you do to connect us with the community and enhance our mining operations — all while continuing to live our values.
Read all about the 2023 LOVA Winners here:
https://kinrossworld.kinross.com/en/announcing-the-2023-lova-winners/
Community Investments & Outreach
Tanacross Dog Race
This year’s Tanacross Dog Race was the first series since the pandemic. The community was eager to hold the race series again and families lined the streets to watch the teams pass by. We were excited to partner with the organization to help bring back this local event.
Tok Wolverine Trap Club
The Tok Wolverine Trap Club received an investment to continue working with youth to teach them how to handle firearms safely. Hunting is common in the region and not all youth have the opportunity to learn about safe firearm practices, making the trap club a useful and educational team for all.
Northway Basketball Tournament
Manh Choh and Fort Knox both invested $5,000 to support interior schools of the Golden Heart Conference at the Regional Basketball Tournament on March 2-4. “Northway was this year’s host of this tournament and was able to provide a much better experience for participants and their families as a result of the donation,” said Joe Krause, Principal of Walter Northway School.
Tok Dog Mushers’ Association
One of the last mushing events for the season, the 2023 Tok Race of Champions, is hosted by the Tok Dog Mushers Association. Mushers from as far away as Canada and Germany travel west to participate. This race is part of a large list of well-known races that folks from around the interior travel to compete in.
American Heart Association
Ladies from varying departments joined fellow community members to attend an educational luncheon to promote women’s heart health. Prior to the luncheon AHA hosted seminars to promote nutrition guidance for heart health, stress management and how to factor healthy movement into a busy work day. This annual event is not just for women and men joined in on the educational fun, too. Tips on the best heart healthy food are one of the main takeaways and AHA uses the luncheon to serve up a healthy but tasty example of heart healthy meals. This year the example was a sweet Thai salad with chicken. It was delicious and a good source of protein. For more heart healthy meal ideas, you can visit https://recipes.heart.org/en/.
Mosquito Meander
What is a “meander?” A meander is a fun run/walk that raises funds for the Fairbanks-based Resource Center for Parents and Children. Don’t worry! No mosquitos were hurt in the production of this 5k race. Fort Knox is the title sponsor and was happy to provide volunteers on race day to help set up and flag the race to ensure participants stayed safe along the route. This year the race broke the all-time registration record with over 500 participants!
Out of the Darkness Walk
Shaun Slater and members of the environmental team came together to create a team for the local Out of the Darkness Walk. The team was joined by fellow miners and was one of the top fundraising teams! This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and is held annually to unite our community and provide an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love.
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
During the warm Fairbanks summer months, the FSAF connects the community to world-class professionals and artists to teach locals new skills and artistic hobbies. The festival has been held since 1980 and originally focused on a one-week jazz festival. Today, with our continued support, the festival has expanded to include dance, theatre, visual arts and more! Learn more about available classes at: www.fsaf.org.
Bread Line
For almost 40 years the Bread Line has served as one of Fairbanks’ main anti-hunger organizations next to the Fairbanks Food Bank and Rescue Mission. They are also the host organization for four different programs.
- Stone Soup Café, a weekday soup kitchen that serves anyone who needs a meal
- Stone’s Throw, a culinary arts training program
- Stone Soup Garden, a local community garden that serves food-insecure community members
- Kids Café, a family program for kids and adults to join together to learn about ending local poverty
Food insecurity is a primary focus for the Fort Knox site, and we are continuing supporters of this program and many more that help end community hunger and empower individuals to find new careers through the art of food.
Health Fair
The Fairbanks Health Fair has been a Fairbanks fixture since 1980, and is able to assist 35,000 people across the state. Community members can access free health education, screenings and affordable blood testing at little to no cost. They also work closely with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank to provide the “Food is Medicine” program that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to those medically referred by a doctor. Access to health care and health improvement programs are critical for our area and aligns with the Kinross Alaska health and safety investment goal to support individuals’ well-being.
Alaska Legal Services
Alaska Legal Services (ALS) was created in 1967 as a private non-profit law firm. Today the organization still holds the same values of offering free legal services to low income and disadvantaged people. Lawyers donate their time to protect individual’s safety, health and family stability. ALS has a longtime focus on ensuring rural communities have access to legal services and fair representation. Annually ALS is able to help 7,000 low-income Alaskans with issues ranging from family law to health care. As part of the Kinross 4PP goal to focus and lift up issues that deal with diversity, equity and inclusion, Kinross Alaska is proud to be able to support under-represented groups through investment in ALS.
Interior EMS Conference
Health and safety are a top priority for Kinross Alaska and annually we support the Interior EMS Council’s conference to recertify local EMS providers. This conference offers essential knowledge and updates on the latest training techniques to professionals like Health Aides, PA-Cs and Nurses. The organization keeps costs low by partnering with businesses and health care providores so all can attend. You’ll see some of their folks again at the Alaska Heart Association’s Heart Walk as they will join the Kinross Alaska booth to teach the public how to perform safe hands only CPR. Stop by to also get a free Automated External Defibrillator AED training kit! Remember, education and practice can save a life!
State Provides $300,000 Grant to Prepare Residents for Jobs With Manh Choh
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) recently provided a $300,000 grant toward the University of Alaska Fairbank’s Mining and Training Petroleum Service program (MATPS) in partnership with Kinross Alaska.
The grant aims to provide local people with the skills and training needed to fulfill job openings at Kinross’ Manh Choh project in Tetlin, which is expected to generate over 250 construction and approximately 300-600 mining and trucking jobs.
“Our department created a pilot project following Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s tour of the Delta Mine Training Center last year,” said Acting Commissioner Cathy Muñoz. “The pilot project will support the training of up to 28 residents from the Tok area and bring high-paying jobs to the rural community. This is a win-win for all involved.”
The grant will include unique surface mining training skills necessary for employment at Manh Choh, as well as employability skills that can be transferrable over participants’ careers not only in mining but any career path they choose to pursue in the future.
“Kinross Alaska is truly committed to hiring locally, developing tomorrow’s workforce and supporting new initiatives that provide sustainable skill development in the communities where we operate,” said Terence Watungwa, Vice-President and General Manager, Kinross Alaska. “We are excited about this training partnership and the opportunities it will provide to rural Alaska as we move towards the operations phase of Manh Choh.”
The Manh Choh project is located approximately 250 miles southeast of the Fort Knox mine. The average wage of an employee at Manh Choh will be more than $130,000, well above the average local wage. The project is expected to commence production in the second half of 2024. As a 70% owner, Kinross’ share is estimated at approximately 640,000 attributable Au eq. oz. over the life of mine.
SOS BBQ
Recently the site gathered to enjoy the annual SOS BBQ. Three lucky individuals put in the time and effort to fill out SOS cards and were randomly chosen to receive a cash bonus for their work.
We are proud that our team takes safety incredibly seriously because we understand that the well-being of each team member is paramount to our success. We recognize that a safe working environment is not only crucial for physical health but also for mental well-being, productivity and overall job satisfaction. By prioritizing safety, we aim to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and confident in their work, knowing that their health and safety are protected.
Congratulations to:
- Mine Operations Paul Bonham – Crew 2
- Mine Operations Colten Ritenour – Crew 4
- Administration- Daniel Hughes
We provide comprehensive safety training and ongoing education to ensure that all team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards, follow safety protocol and respond appropriately in case of emergencies. Regular safety meetings, engagements and safety inspections are conducted to reinforce safe practices and address any concerns or issues. We actively encourage open communication and collaboration, where team members are encouraged to report any safety hazards or near misses. By taking safety seriously, we not only protect ourselves but also promote a sense of trust, respect and camaraderie within our team.
Keep up the safe work Fort Knox!
Change Starts With Awareness
May was a month dedicated to an essential cause: Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a time to shine a light on the ongoing crisis affecting Indigenous communities.
Throughout history, Indigenous women and girls have faced disproportionate rates of violence and disappearance — their voices often silenced or ignored. MMIW Month serves as a reminder that they deserve our unwavering attention, compassion and action.
Annually communities gather to honor the victims, uplift their families and advocate for change. Candlelight vigils and storytelling circles fill the nights. In these spaces, their stories shared and prayers whispered, carry the weight of a collective longing for justice.
We encourage each of you to learn more about the MMIW crisis, amplify Indigenous voices and engage in meaningful dialogue. By educating ourselves and others, we can contribute to dismantling the barriers that enable violence in Indigenous women’s lives.
In this time of reflection, we honor the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities who have carried the weight of this crisis for far too long. We stand with their families who have lost loved ones and those still searching for answers.
Together, we can create a future where all Indigenous women and girls can thrive without fear of violence or disappearance.
Mini Miner Welcome
Welcome, little ones! We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of some of Fort Knox’s mini miners! Just like the precious gold in the hills, you, too, are precious and cherished beyond measure. May your days be filled with joy, laughter and endless possibilities as you grow. Welcome to the Fort Knox family!
Do you have a mini miner you wish to welcome? Email fortknoxcommunityrelations@kinross.com with their photo and name!
Employee Recipe: Mom’s 3-Packet Slow Cooker Roast
Submitted by Cindy Mascadri
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sliced thin
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
- 1 packet dry brown, pork or beef gravy mix
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 3 pounds boneless rump roast or top or bottom round roast (any lean cut of moose, beef or pork roast)
Instructions
- Place the onions in the slow cooker. Top with the roast.
- Whisk together the water, Italian dressing mix, ranch dressing mix and gravy mix together in a bowl until smooth and pour over the roast.
- Cover and cook on LOW until the roast is fork tender, 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove roast from the slow cooker.
- To thicken the juices, uncover and turn the crock pot to HIGH and let cook away. Or you can make a thicker gravy by mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 to 4 tablespoons of water and stirring into the crock pot.
- Cover and cook, stirring often, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve with favorite sides or over mashed potatoes.
Welcome to Kinross Alaska
From March to May
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Ryan Rains | Assay/Fire Technician |
| Joshua Hamilton | E&I Technician |
| Vsevolod Seletskiy | Geological Technician |
| Jesse Moore | MEM Mechanic |
| Devin Ailport | Senior Mine Engineer |
| Anna McCarthy | Contracts Analyst |
| Jacob Gregory | Equipment Operator |
| James Vick Fletcher | Equipment Operator |
| Briana Randazzo | Mine Geologist & Survey |
| Michael Gordon | Mill Operator |
| Henry M Yrjana | Security Officer |
| Paul Meyers | Security Officer |
| Joseph Young II | Security Officer |
| Aaron Paulson | Equipment Operator |
| Daniel Martin | Equipment Operator |
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Guy Chenowith | Security Officer |
| George Lanstrum | Security Officer |
| Lucas Walker | Environmental Tech |
| Shelby Brokaw | Tech Services Intern |
| Grace German | Metallurgical Tech Intern |
| Kimber Harnar | Mine Engineer |
| Joshua Kumher | Security Officer |
| Robert Bernowski | Security Officer |
| James Bowman | Sr. Mine Engineer |
| Misty Walsh | Environmental Technician |
| Emily Armstrong | Equipment Operator |
| Fitzandies Forbes | Equipment Operator |
| Justin Vasvary | Equipment Operator |
| Shaun Conwell | Equipment Operator |
| Chase Weisz | Equipment Operator |
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