existing facility at Fort Knox? Utilizing existing facilities means a much smaller environmental footprint at Manh Choh and, more broadly, perhaps a new model for future resource development projects in Alaska. This is a goal we all strive for: minimizing impact while maximizing use. This project offers a long-term economic benefit for the Tetlin without worry of long-term management needs a local tailings facility would require. This is a win-win for all involved. Once production at the mine begins, the ore will be transported to Fort Knox for processing. Transportation will occur via the state public highway system. There has been much speculation about the risk of hauling ore from Manh Choh to Fort Knox using Alaska’s public highways. Indeed, those concerns have resulted in a local legal challenge to the project’s transportation plan. Transportation safety and compliance is a critically important issue and Manh Choh’s owners have worked closely with regulators to ensure they meet all highway safety standards before operations begin. The State of Alaska, through its Department of Transportation (DOT), is charged with regulating the safety of our highways. The trucks and drivers to be used by the Manh Choh project are subject to the same safety standards as any other similar commercial truck operator. This means the drivers are subject to the same stringent safety and training standards required for commercial driver’s license (CDL) and heavy equipment operator licenses. DOT is building additional pull out lanes, enhancing visibility in areas around bus stops, and has plans to add additional passing lanes, bridge replacement, and more. Much of the funding to improve this highway will come from the federal Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act. The trucks will carry legal loads that do not require additional special permits or exemptions. Total vehicle length will be 95 feet, similar to the double fuel and double cargo trailers you currently see operating on all Alaska state public highways today, with a payload of about 50 tons and a total gross vehicle weight of 82.5 tons per vehicle. The project owners have partnered with a trucking contractor who is long-term Alaskan company based in North Pole, Alaska and boasts an outstanding safety record. They have a comprehensive safety management system, with vehicle and driver monitoring, and an extensive, proven driver training program anchored by a rigorous behind-the-wheels training component. It is important to distinguish that the trucks will transport only rocks, not metal ore concentrates, so there here will be minimal dust associated with the transportation. Further, all loads must be fully covered and secured. Trucking the mine rocks with covered loads is not very different than trucking other materials up and down our public highways, such a rock or gravel for construction projects. Comparatively, for years trucks have been hauling liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Port MacKenzie to Fairbanks and soon will start running daily along the Dalton Highway to deliver LNG to Fairbanks. Yet, there is little opposition about the added influx of these trucks or questioning the safety of such operations. Every day, freight, fuel, and other commercial haul trucks run along all of Alaska’s highways without incident. Though no one can eliminate all risk, we should not discriminate between commerce on our highways at the expense of responsible economic opportunity when that opportunity is properly licensed, insured, and all safety and operating measures are met. Alaskans constantly point to our limited and aging highway transportation infrastructure as a hindrance to expanding economic opportunities throughout our great state. This project can help be a catalyst for a region that threatens to be forgotten. In conclusion, the Manh Choh project is an example of a project that not only exceeds environmental and safety standards but goes further: It is a great example of industry partnering with our Alaska Native people and communities. To quote the current Tetlin Village Chief, Michael Sam, “Our people and indigenous people in Alaska have been living off this land for thousands of years and we are owed the opportunity to secure our own future.” RDC looks forward to the success of this partnership between Tetlin and Kinross for the continued responsible development of our resources as well as for the future economic opportunity and social well-being of our Alaskan communities. The Manh Choh project can become another successful model of how our resource industries continue to lead the way. 12 ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW WINTER 2024 To quote the current Tetlin Village Chief, Michael Sam, “Our people and indigenous people in Alaska have been living off this land for thousands of years and we are owed the opportunity to secure our own future.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Photo Courtesy Kinross Alaska
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