Storyknife, March/April 2025 edition
The Donlin Gold Project resumed field work this spring with roughly 50 to 60 workers at its camp.
This includes Calista and The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) Shareholder employees working in various roles—from drilling and heavy equipment maintenance to camp services like food and laundry.
“We have many returning experienced employees and also new employees who will have the opportunity to learn a new trade” said Enric Fernandez, environmental and permitting manager for Donlin Gold.
The drill program is scheduled to run through the end of July and its main purpose is to provide further information to develop Donlin Gold’s mine plan. A mine plan is the overall blueprint for safely and responsibly building, operating and closing a mine—including the sequence of mining operations. The plan is a living document updated over the project lifespan.
Other activities that Donlin Gold plans to do in our Region this year include the following:
- Advance its dam safety permit applications with the State of Alaska
- Continue the second year of its salmon smolt monitoring program on the George River, in partnership with the Native Village of Napaimute
- Restore aquatic habitat in Snow Gulch, a tributary near the mine impacted by historic placer mining
- Community service projects including the annual Summer Safety program in which employees from Donlin and partnering organizations distribute life jackets to Y-K communities.
For the past seven years, Donlin Gold has led an e-waste and household hazardous waste removal program in our Region. The backhaul project is on pause this year.
“With vital support from our backhaul partners, we’ve seen a decline in the amount of waste that needs removal. We’re very proud of the progress we’ve made and are exploring new ways to support environmental projects,” says Samantha Angaiak-Miller, Donlin Gold External Affairs Associate Manager.
Angaiak-Miller added that the Donlin Gold Project is eager to support school and education programs in our Region and encourages Y-K community service organizations to apply for a donation.
By the time this newsletter prints, Donlin Gold’s workforce needs for the 2025 field season are likely to be met, Angaiak-Miller says, but Shareholders can continue to check the Donlin careers page, just in case: donlingold.com/careers.
The Donlin Gold Project encourages Y-K organizations and Tribes to apply for community support. Requests should be submitted at least 45 days before the funds are needed.