Truckers in Alaska can anticipate maximizing their hours of service quota as a gold mining operation plans to haul ore 24/7 from Tetlin to Fort Knox, just north of Fairbanks.
“We are pleased to announce that we’re proceeding with the execution of the Manh Choh project in Alaska. Manh Choh provides a robust growth project for Kinross, adding high-grade, and low-cost production to Fort Knox. The project returns remain attractive despite the impact of inflation,” Paul Tomory, Kinross executive vice president, reportedly told investors.
A trucking plan appears to have met the necessary thresholds for the Toronto-based Kinross Gold Corp to begin the 250-mile transportation operation that calls for 192 loads daily. Kinross reportedly paid $93.7 million to acquire a majority holding in the Manh Choh project in Tok, Alaska, back in 2020, property owned by the Native Village of Tetlin.
“Our preproduction capital investment of $190 million includes a higher than typical contingency to allow for the possibility of future inflation. The acquisition of permits is also progressing well. Earthworks and road construction will be the priority for the remainder of 2022, setting us up for a successful field season in 2023, and we expect to be in production during the second half of 2024,” Tomory reportedly said.
The Canadian mining outfit estimated the project would generate upwards of 600 construction jobs during the initial phase. Once fully operational, the gold mine would maintain upwards of 300 ongoing positions, including CDL holders to move ore to the open pit in Fort Knox. Tentative start date of 2024 has been established and the positive results of a recent trucking plan keep that timeline in place.
“The ore transportation plan will support between 100 and 200 good-paying jobs, including highly experienced truck drivers, mechanics, and support personnel. Most of these jobs will be based in the Fairbanks area, with some equipment operator and support jobs based at the Manh Choh project site near Tok,” according to the company’s website.
Truckers are expected to pull dual ore trailers with 90 percent of the distance on public highways. Driving positions are expected to last between 4-5 years once the mining operation begins.
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