• Lucky Shot Mine Development
• Client: Alaska Gold Torrent
• Location: United States

In 2017, MES was engaged by AGT for both professional and underground construction services for the Lucky Shot mine development project. MES professional work included alternatives for the design of development to reach the Coleman orebody, preparation of all MSHA submittals for AGT, development of development plans, and other work.

MES utilized Black Fox Mining as a sub-consultant for a portion of the professional work. Under a follow-on contract, MES deployed equipment and personnel to the remote site, located approximately 26 miles east of Willow, Alaska off the Hatcher pass road. The initial work included site setup of surface facilities and infrastructure to support underground development, followed by drill/blast underground development under winter conditions. MES utilized smoothwall blasting methods to minimize rock damage to the existing high-quality rock, thus enabling a reduction of ground support in many areas.

This project was curtailed in November 2017 due to the owner’s inability to continue to fund ongoing work, with about 750 feet of development completed. There were two MSHA inspections during this project, with only one non-S&S citation (for a rolled up compressed air hose on the ground, considered a tripping hazard) This project was selected as an example because it demonstrates:

• Underground drill-blast mine development work at a remote site in Alaska.

• Ability to mobilize and establish all facilities for underground work at a bare site.

• Advance Project planning with Junior mining company client.

• Good MSHA compliance and setup of MSHA program for client.

• Underground mine design services for junior mining company clients.