Pogo Mine reaches two milestones: safety and production advance hand in hand.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: SPECIAL SECTION: Mining

On September 30 Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo LLC announced that Pogo Mine, located near Delta Junction, had produced its 3-millionth ounce of gold. In the announcement, General Manager Chris Kennedy said, "The journey to 3 million ounces has taken ten years of planning and permitting and more than nine years of operation. Producing 3 million ounces is a huge accomplishment and I am proud of the team at Pogo." To recognize the milestone, Pogo has created commemorative coins, hoodies, posters, and banners.

Pogo was initially permitted with an expected mine life of ten years, an anniversary that the mine will reach in February 2016; however, the mine is permitted for operations through 2019, and according to a 2012 reserves report, Pogo mine had a total of 4.973 million ounces of gold available. Additionally, External Affairs Manager Lorna Shaw says, "We have a robust exploration program working hard to extend the mine life."

Currently, the mine produces more than three hundred thousand ounces of gold annually, making it the second largest gold producer in Alaska. "Pogo Mine poured the 1-millionth ounce of gold in October 2009 and the 2-millionth ounce in July 2012," according to the release.

Safety Milestone

But no less significant, the mine is not just producing gold, it's doing so safely. In August 2014 Pogo Mine achieved a one-year streak...