Alaskan Mine Support

Mining Solutions that Shine: RESPEC's role in Alaska's Toughest Conditions

Elliot Wilson Project Manager

elliot.wilson@respec.com

Cody Kreitel Senior Geotechnical Engineer

cody.kreitel@respec.com

Luke Rubalcava Water and Wastewater Program Manager

luke.rubalcava@respec.com

Mining in Alaska presents unique challenges: permafrost thawing, extreme temperatures, and the pressure to maintain efficiency in remote locations. Mines like Fort Knox and Pogo must contend with aging infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and production demands, all while minimizing downtime. RESPEC has become a vital partner, offering innovative engineering solutions tailored to the rugged conditions of Alaska’s mining landscape.

RESPEC’s support at the Fort Knox and Pogo mines has grown exponentially over the last 5 years, with services increasing sixfold. The team is now a “resident engineer,” trusted to solve complex problems and maintain operations. Both mines benefit from RESPEC’s expertise and low turnover, ensuring seamless production under the most demanding circumstances.

Solutions for Unique Challenges

At Fort Knox—an open-pit gold mine—aging infrastructure and new requirements for processing Manh Choh ore required critical upgrades. RESPEC implemented structural improvements to meet an accelerated timeline to process Manh Choh ore ahead of schedule in the summer of 2024, continuing to address aging infrastructure and streamline operations. RESPEC’s Alaska-based personnel and Arctic engineering knowledge ensured resilience against these factors while helping to limit unexpected shutdowns and meet production targets.

At Pogo, an underground mine operated by Northern Star Resources, RESPEC has tackled infrastructure expansion to accommodate a doubling of ore throughput. One notable project involved stabilizing the “Blue Tube,” a fully enclosed conveyor system suspended above roads. The thawing permafrost beneath the system threatened its structural integrity. RESPEC’s innovative solution reinforced the foundation and will stabilize the thawing permafrost, safeguarding this critical link in the ore transportation chain.

Expertise in Safety and Compliance

RESPEC’s Mine Safety and Health Administration-certified engineers are skilled in navigating regulatory and safety requirements for mining operations. This certification allows RESPEC to deploy engineers on site quickly, reducing delays caused by compliance hurdles. Across its offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and more, RESPEC ensures local expertise is always close at hand.

Resilience audits are another essential service, allowing RESPEC to identify infrastructure vulnerabilities before failures occur. By anticipating and addressing issues proactively, these audits minimize costly downtime and optimize operational performance.

Driving Client Success

What sets RESPEC apart is its ability to integrate diverse disciplines—structural, mechanical, civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering—into custom solutions. Whether addressing permafrost challenges, executing emergency repairs, or conducting resilience audits to prevent downtime, RESPEC supports clients by ensuring operational continuity.

By solving Alaska’s toughest mining challenges, RESPEC empowers operators like Fort Knox and Pogo to focus on their core mission: producing gold efficiently and safely. With a track record of innovation and reliability, RESPEC is the trusted guide for mining success in Alaska.