Charlie joined Kinross in 2012 and has become a valuable member of the Water Treatment Plant due to his consistent focus on cost-savings initiatives to support the Company’s financial and environmental goals. 

In 2024, Charlie identified an opportunity to increase efficiency by optimizing reverse osmosis (RO) scenarios and created the brine reduction program at Kettle River. Charlie worked closely with external consultants to model outcomes, anticipate challenges and make adjustments to implement the best-performing solutions on site. The project was a great success, reducing brine hauling costs by 19%, brine concentration by 46% and decreasing stored water by 31%. This resulted in cost savings of US$113,000 for the year and an estimated US$100,000 per year for the next ten years.  

The project not only met our immediate cost-reduction goals but provides long-term operational sustainability for Kettle River by decreasing the cost per unit of water processed while increasing the volume of water processed by 106% through the optimization of chemical usage, flow rates and recycling processes. 

Charlie’s work ethic aligns with our corporate goals to generate short-term operational success, and long-term strategic outcomes. His efforts to maximize water recovery, minimize waste and enhance overall efficiency have led to a 45% increase in water brought to surface and a significant increase in water treatment throughput. 

“Charlie’s dedication to optimizing operations at the water treatment plant is truly commendable. He is always on the lookout for new methods and technologies to streamline processes and maximize efficiency,” said Tommy Swank, IT Supervisor, Kettle River. “His proactive approach to problem-solving is evident in his relentless pursuit of more effective, efficient ways to run the water treatment plant.”