In January, Kinross Russia reopened its ice road for the winter season!
Each year in October to November, teams at Kupol and Pevek begin construction of the 260 kilometre ice road that is the only form of ground transportation between the two destinations during the winter months.
The ice road is used to transport supplies and cargo between Pevek and our Kupol and Dvoinoye operations and serves as a primary form of transportation for the local nearby villages and organizations.
In an effort to maintain the safety of our employees and community members, the Kinross team, supported by the Government of the Chukotka, implemented a series of proactive safety measures for the 2022 season. This includes a checkpoint at the start of the road that provides drivers with safety guides and radios to remain in communication in the event of an emergency, an increase in traffic control signs along the road, and billboards that reinforce safety best practices, speed limits, and identify potential road hazards.
“The safety improvements made this year are a reflection of our employees’ commitment to continuous improvement and responsible mining. While the ice road was well equipped, our Kinross team and the Chukotka Government came together to find areas for improvement in an effort to protect road users,” said Claude Schimper, Executive Vice President, Russia and West Africa Operations. “The ice road is crucial to our Kupol and Dvoinoye operations and makes a significant impact on our supply chain. Thank you to all who make this possible each year!”
In 2021, more than 80,000 tons of cargo were transported between Kupol and the port of Pevek. This year, 35 trucks are expected to transport approximately the same volume of cargo over the four to five months of ice road operation.
