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Donlin Continues Field Program, Hires Shareholders
Community programs assist with pandemic, flooding, and e-waste
Storyknife, July/August 2020 edition
Donlin Gold LLC suspended its field season for roughly two months this year to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Work resumed in early June under strict safety protocols.
During the hiatus, Donlin Gold provided assistance to Yukon-Kuskokwim communities impacted by the pandemic and spring flooding.
Donlin provided supplies to the Aniak food bank and distribution center, shipped 1,500 face mask kits to all YK villages, provided disinfectant soap to each home in 35 villages, delivered sewer and water buckets to all TKC villages, partnered with the Bethel Community Services Foundation to provide CARES Act application support to local small businesses and non-profits, and funded Camp Fire staff to provide meals for Elders and safe-distance events for youth in 15 villages.
Backhaul Project launches in August
During mid-August, Donlin is launching its much-appreciated Backhaul Project. From August 24 through August 31, the barge owned and operated by the Native Village of Napaimute will visit 10 communities along the Kuskokwim River to safely collect e-waste, like old computers, television sets, and batteries. Materials from other communities will be flown to Bethel in the first two weeks of September.
The Donlin Gold field camp is also busy again, with 43 Shareholders (mostly Calista and some Doyon) employed at site. Shareholders make up 80 percent of the field crew.
Unlike last year’s program, which focused on geotechnical data gathering, the 2020 field program focuses on testing and confirming mineral resource information.
Donlin Gold Field Camp COVID-19 Safety Protocols Include:
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All employees must test negative before arrival at camp (in-region employees tested on arrival)
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In-region employees tested before returning home; must test negative
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Smaller meeting groups, limited seating for meals, and use of hand sanitizer and gloves
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Daily temperature check of all crews
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Isolation tent in place for anyone showing symptoms