Solstice sun on the Richardson Highway.
General Manager Message
Dear Team,
This month, we have much to celebrate! We started December by recognizing National Miners Day, and I want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work, dedication and resilience each and every one of you brings to our team. This special day is an opportunity to reflect on the essential contributions you make every day to the success of Kinross Alaska.
We had many successes this year. The list is long, but I will highlight just a few.
- Every day, we prioritize sustaining an integrated safety culture across all our internal operations and with our business partners, as well. The most notable safety outcomes were keeping our people safe, completing the Safety Excellence Training Program and our partner Black Gold Transport winning the 2024 Alaska Miners Association’s Safety Award.
- We exceeded this year’s production target for Kinross Alaska by the third week of December. This achievement is nothing short of exceptional considering the operational challenges we had to overcome in Q1. The total of 333K ounces for the year (vs. budget of 330K ounces) was achieved within combined budget operating costs for Fort Knox and Manh Choh, enabling us to capture the margin and capitalize on the current high-price environment for gold.
- Lastly, we continue to develop our Kinross Alaska exploration efforts to extend mine life organically. I am pleased to announce that we were approved for a larger exploration drilling scope and budget next year.
On behalf of Kinross Alaska’s leadership, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your focus on safe production, unwavering commitment, teamwork and consistency in delivering results. These qualities set us apart and ensure we continue to lead by example.
This holiday season, I hope you celebrate with your loved ones and reflect on all we have achieved together in 2024. Thank you for all that you do to make Kinross Alaska a great place to work.
Stay safe, and happy holidays!
Terence Watungwa, Vice President and General Manager, Kinross Alaska
Employee Spotlight: David Harvey, Mine Geologist
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Astoria, OR, but I’ve lived all over including Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Washington.
2. What was your first job?
My first job was waiting tables at Steak ‘n Shake in Columbus, GA.
3. What brought you to Kinross?
I came to Kinross after working as a contractor with exploration in the core shack last summer.
4. What is one word that describes you?
Nerdy sums me up fairly well.
5. Favorite music?
Currently, it’s a mix of Broadway musicals and Taylor Swift.
6. Favorite food?
I’m a big fan of Thai food.
7. Weirdest food you’ve eaten?
Probably balut in the Philippines.
8. Favorite place?
My favorite place in the whole world is Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon.
9. What are three items you would take with you on a desert island?
Sunscreen, rock hammer and coffee
10. Ski or snowboard?
Neither! How about ice skate?
11. What does your perfect weekend look like?
My perfect weekend looks like getting on a plane and going to explore someplace new, preferably with active volcanoes, for a day or two.
12. Do you have a hobby or one that you want to try?
Playing piano is a hobby I spend a lot of time on.
13. Do you have any hidden talents?
I speak several non-English languages.
14. Fun fact! Could be random or about you!
Alaska is the only US state whose name you can type using only one row on a keyboard!
15. If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d probably pick teleportation. I like going places – and it would be a lot more efficient than flying!
Safety Sentinels from the Road
On October 26, around mile 1351 of the Alaska Highway, a driver in a red F-250 hauling a trailer found himself in a difficult situation and completely blocking the northbound lane. The driver had been stuck there for two hours, struggling to change a flat tire.
Seeing that he was still stranded a bit later, one of the Black Gold Transport drivers checked on him to make sure he was OK. The BGT driver was warmly thanked — the stranded driver was genuinely touched, explaining that, although countless vehicles had driven by, the BGT truck was the only one that stopped to help.
It turned out the driver of the F-250 had recently purchased the truck, only to discover that the spare tire it came with didn’t fit. He asked if BGT could help him arrange a tow because there was no cell service where he was. After reaching out to several companies, BGT was able to secure assistance and ensure that he was safe.
Celebrating Excellence: Employee Recognition Event
Kinross Alaska’s Employee Appreciation Banquet on December 20 was a resounding success, celebrating the heart and soul of our organization—our outstanding employees. These remarkable individuals were lauded for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for embodying our core values with every task they undertake. The significance of their contributions cannot be overstated, as studies show that high-performing employees are 400% more productive than the average worker, driving innovation and success across our company.
As we look to the future together, we are excited to continue nurturing a culture that values excellence and encourages every team member to reach their highest potential. Great things are coming in 2025!
Congratulations to these Kinross Alaska employees!
LOVA Awards
- Amanda Walker, HR
- Wyatt Vrana, Tech Svcs
- Kristin Thompson, H&S
- Kenneth Corcoran, Mill trainer
- Mary Chowaniec, Mine Ops
- Miguel Berrios, Warehouse
- Natasha Dumig, SC
- Robin Miller, MEM
- Daniel Poland, Mine Ops
- Rolland Jenson, Mill Ops
- Cole Snodgress, Tech Svcs
- Josh Mattachionne, CI
- Carlen Thiessen, Mill Mechanic
- Bartly Kleven, Env
Jack Follett, Mine Ops, and Derek Lakey, Ore Transportation, are the Kinross silver LOVA winners and were recognized in Toronto this fall. They are excellent examples of Kinross Alaska employees’ dedication and commitment.
Kinross Alaska Awards
John Gentry Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jack Granger, Jr
- Cindy Mascadri
Three group awards:
GM Excellence Award – Teamwork
- Security – specifically, Billy Bellant, Noble Shumpert and Kristian Jorgenson-Geise
GM Excellence Award – Resilience
- Emily Hanson
- Shannon Nowak
GM Excellence Award – Productivity
- Manh Choh Processing Commissioning Team
- This is a whole team award that was received by Sarah Ingram, Ding Zhang and Ken Corcoran as representatives of the team.
Alaska Miners Association Awards
- Meg Smith – recognized with the Chuck Hawley Lifetime Achievement Award! Meg has devoted her professional life to ensuring a successful mining industry in Alaska. This award honors her dedication and success.
- Manh Choh – awarded the New Mine Award for demonstrating exceptional practices in development, environmental stewardship, safety and responsible mining operations within the Alaska region.
Fort Knox & Manh Choh Community Advisory Committees Meet
In December, Kinross Alaska hosted the community advisory committees for both Fort Knox and Manh Choh. The Community Advisory Committees meet quarterly and are made up of their respective mine’s neighbors and community members from surrounding communities and villages.
Fort Knox Highlights
At the Fort Knox meeting, we provided an update on the bussing program and plans for expansion in 2025. We also shared a new light study initiative. This study aims to assess the impact of our operations on neighboring communities. Following the presentation, the committee embarked on a tour of the entire mine, providing valuable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of our operations.
Manh Choh Highlights
The Manh Choh meeting focused on several key areas. We highlighted recent community investment opportunities, provided an update on mining operations, and shared a safety and tracking update with committee members. Looking ahead, we discussed potential collaborations with local school districts, focusing on the implementation of new safety technologies. We actively sought guidance and community input on how to best prioritize safety in all our endeavors.
Both meetings were productive and engaging, with lively discussions and insightful questions from committee members. We value the ongoing dialogue with our communities and appreciate their valuable input.
Hand injury prevention for December 2024
With the potential for extreme temperature changes outdoors, we need to be prepared to dress for protection against the elements during winter. Since the cold weather increases the possibility of hand injuries, it is wise to plan for working in the cold and for outdoor activities offsite. Here are a few tips for work and home.
Choose PPE that will withstand the cold
With exposure to the cold, people may be at risk for injuries to their hands, which makes personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, necessary for work (and play), especially outdoors. Best practice is to use PPE that is made for freezing conditions to prevent frostbite and other health issues due to cold. These gloves should include linings made from warm materials that are wind- and waterproof. When possible – but not always practical – mittens are much better for keeping hands and fingers warm than gloves.
Size gloves properly
Although this tip may seem obvious, having gloves that fit correctly and guard against potential safety hazards is essential to health and safety year-round. Winter gloves should act as an extra layer of protection for hands, and this means having PPE that fits the specific measurements of an individual’s hands. Rather than using gloves that are one-size fits all, gloves should have the right fit and cover the hands completely. Instant hand warmers, which are supplied in the warehouse and at sporting goods stores, can be a great addition inside the glove.
Select hand tools for winter-specific gloves
With gloves on, people should make sure they can handle tools properly. Test winter gloves when operating hand tools to see whether the fit is comfortable. Having the correct hand- tool/glove combination could prevent us from putting our wrists in awkward positions, which could result in wrist and hand injuries.
Outside the glove
Sometimes when we are out in the cold, we are tempted to take a glove off just for that one second to manipulate that small bolt, to start that small screw, etc. Think before you act. Metal and liquid petroleum products are the same ambient temperature as the surrounding air and can freeze the skin immediately on contact. Even touching snow with bare skin in extreme cold can cause frostbite. The warmth of your skin momentarily thaws the snow, which can re-freeze instantly, causing the skin to freeze.
Standard of the month for December 2024
56.15006 Protective equipment and clothing for hazards and irritants.
Special protective equipment and special protective clothing shall be provided, maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition and used whenever hazards of process or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants are encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment.
Insights: an employee question prompted the standard of the month for December. “Is there an MSHA standard for hand protection when working in the cold?” The answer is yes. This standard is subjective, but it is the standard MSHA would use for hand protection when working in a cold environment.
Tetlin Dinner
We were honored to join the Native Village of Tetlin for their Christmas celebration, where we had the privilege of serving dinner and sharing in the holiday spirit. It was heartwarming to see 150 smiles light up the room as everyone enjoyed the festivities. We are incredibly grateful to the community for welcoming us so warmly and allowing us to be part of such a special evening. This experience truly captured the joy and togetherness of the season.
Community Contributions
UAF Nanook Hockey – Teddy Bear Toss
At Kinross, we look forward to sponsoring the beloved Teddy Bear Toss at the UAF Nanooks hockey game each year, and this season’s event was another incredible success! More than 60 Kinross volunteers enthusiastically participated, collecting hundreds of stuffed animals tossed onto the ice by fans. These donations bring joy to local children through Santa’s Helpers AK. Adding to the excitement, the Nanooks secured a thrilling 2-1 victory, making the evening a perfect blend of community spirit, generosity and celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a memorable one!
Fairbanks Community Food Bank
This holiday season, 25 Kinross volunteers came together to pack over 7,500 pounds of food at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, helping to support families in need. As longtime supporters of the Food Bank’s vital food security programs, we’re proud to lend a hand each year and make a difference in our community. During December, we’re running our Holiday Hearts of Gold Campaign, where Kinross will match donations to the Food Bank up to $15,000! Join us in spreading holiday cheer and supporting this essential cause.
Kinross Celebrates Prestigious Wins at AMA Conference
We are thrilled to announce that Kinross received the New Mine Award for Manh Choh at this year’s Alaska Miners Association Conference, recognizing the project’s innovation, community collaboration and positive impact. Additionally, we celebrate Meg Smith, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable contributions to Alaska’s mining industry. Meg’s dedication to employing local and rural Alaska Native community members across multiple mine sites has left an enduring legacy. These achievements highlight our commitment to excellence and community partnership in mining. Congratulations to everyone who made this recognition possible, and congratulations to our partner Black Gold Transport for winning the Hard Hat Safety Award!
Women of Distinction Dinner Sponsorship
This month, we were proud to sponsor the Women of Distinction Dinner, hosted by the Far North Girl Scout Council. The event honored two incredible women, Susan Paskvan and Michele Stalder, who have made significant impacts in the Fairbanks community through their leadership and dedication. Susan and Michele exemplify the values of courage, confidence, and character, inspiring the next generation of leaders. We are grateful for the opportunity to support such an inspiring celebration of local women making a difference.
Distinguished Citizens Banquet Sponsorship
We were honored to sponsor the Distinguished Citizens Banquet, an event recognizing two remarkable individuals, Jo Kuchle and Gene Therriault, who have made lasting contributions to our community through their association with the Boy Scouts of America. Jo and Gene have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering youth development and leadership. Supporting events like these aligns with our mission to uplift and celebrate those who make our community a better place.
Holiday Support for Local Communities
This holiday season, we were thrilled to spread joy by supporting Christmas parties for the Native Village of Tetlin and the community of Tanacross. Additionally, we donated turkeys to Tok for a large community Thanksgiving celebration, ensuring families could come together to enjoy a festive meal.
North Star Community Foundation Partnership
This holiday season, we invested in the North Star Community Foundation, which supports both Santa’s Helpers AK and the Fox Community Spring. Through this partnership, we helped ensure that local families in need received toys and food for their holiday celebrations, spreading joy and relief during this special time of year. Additionally, our support of the Fox Community Spring helps preserves this cherished local landmark, ensuring it continues to provide fresh, clean water for the community.
Two Surprise Contributions
This month, we were excited to make two surprise investments to support our community. We provided funding to the Breadline/Stone Soup Cafe, an organization dedicated to offering meals to individuals experiencing homelessness or facing challenges with food security, ensuring they have access to nourishment and care. Additionally, we invested $10,000 into the local school district to pay off delinquent lunch accounts for children, relieving families of financial burdens and ensuring no child goes without a meal. These initiatives reflect our commitment to addressing critical needs and fostering a stronger, more supportive community for all.
Employee Recipe: Corn Chowder
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn, about 5-6 ears
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound applewood-smoked bacon, diced
- 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 9 celery stalks with leaves, finely chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced in ⅓ inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, to garnish
Instructions
- Add diced bacon to a large pot over medium heat. Sauté until crispy. Line a bowl with a paper towel. Use a slotted spoon to scoop bacon out of the pot into the lined bowl. Set bacon aside, and drain the fat out of the pot, leaving the drippings.
- Add butter to the pot, along with the onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add broth, potatoes, thyme and bay leaf. Stir. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the bacon, corn, celery, peppers, cream and salt and pepper to taste. Stir. Cover and let simmer for 20 more minutes (or more if you prefer softer veggies).
- Remove the bay leaf and serve with snipped chives and more black pepper.
Welcome to Kinross Alaska
December
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Edward Couch | MEM Laborer |
| Jessica Martinez | Custodian |
| Alberto Puga Mireles | Metallurgist |
| Giovanni Alvarez | IT Technician |
| Alice Orlich | Equipment Operator |
| Hannah Chowaniec | Equipment Operator |
| Nolan Burcell | Equipment Operator |
| Jacob W. Emery | Mill Operator |
| George Fabian | Equipment Operator |
| Koby Pennington | MEM Mechanic |
| Micheala Christiansen | Custodian |
| Julie Prince | Equipment Operator |
| Chue Thao | IT Technician |
| Richelle Villegas | Equipment Operator |
| Curtis Bolt | Warehouse Laborer |
| Isaac Kallberg | Mill Operator |
| Heidi Sakurai | Mill Operator |
| Isaiah Rericha-Nicholson | Mill Operator |
| Antonio Mendez | MEM Laborer |
| Stash Bendall | Mill Mechanic |
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