Kinross Gold will proceed with the initial Gilmore expansion project at its Fort Knox gold mine in Fairbanks, Alaska. The initial phase of a potential multi-phase layback of the existing pit is expected to add roughly 1.5 Moz of gold production from Fort Knox by extending mining by six years to 2027, and gold recovery from heap leaching to 2030.

The National Mining Association (NMA) reports that “communities in which Kinross has mines are home for its employees, so it is committed to being a good neighbour, creating jobs, contributing important tax revenue, supporting local business investment and donating to local causes.

“In 2017, the Fort Knox mine provided 625 direct, full-time jobs and 1,200 indirect, local jobs; spent approximately $188 million on goods and services with 350 local Alaskan businesses and vendors; paid approximately $80 million in employee wages and benefits; invested in 90 local organizations; and made $16 million in payments to state and local governments through taxes and fees. To date, Fort Knox has donated $3 million to the University of Alaska Fairbanks in endowments and scholarships.”

Fort Knox is one of Kinross’ largest producing mines and a centre of excellence for the company as one of the few cold weather heap leach facilities in the world. In 2016, the site poured its seven millionth ounce of gold 20 years into its mine life. It is mined by conventional open-pit methods, with ore processed at a mill and heap leach facility.