This is a long shot just posting here only....


I as an underground miner am looking for words of advice on heading on up to work for the company or with Redpath.


As I said a long shot....



Cal30

I've never been to Alaska and almost certainly never will go but I do invest in and research gold stocks regularly. The POGO mine is owned by Sumitomo, which gives it more financial backing then many. It has at least 10 years worth of gold reserves left, and probably more since they discovered a new deposit last summer.

It is somewhat remote but, most mines are.

Bottom line to me would be if your salary or wages and benefits at POGO would at least make up for the cost of the move and the CONSIDERABLY higher cost of living in Alaska. If the answer is yes and you want to go, then it sounds like a relatively stable opportunity to me. You'll have to factor in the costs of acquiring or renting a place to live in Fairbanks, Delta Junction, or somewhere in the area. Unless the mine provides some kind of housing or assistance, I'd do some serious research in this area before cranking up the truck and throwing your hard hat in.

quote:

Unless the mine provides some kind of housing or assistance

They do its a man camp working 28 - 11 hour shifts and 14 days off.

The contractor Redpath (which I have a couple of ex coworkers working for) are happy and they pay for your flight to and from. Im thinking on moving back to my homeland of Northern Idaho. So a flight out of spokane Wa. is only 1 hour away.

But the miners employed as pogo employees are somewhat rude to the contractors due to them making a fair bit more money.

Im just trying to make my mind who to work for....

I like the free flight idea.. and more money.


Cal30

Gato's thoughts are sage on all accounts I think.

Further, the 14days off get reduced to ten or 8 with flight delays. Days off can further be reduced with extra shifts and overtime.

Maybe try it for 6 months and consider moving the family here? Alaska is a nice place to live and the family can be well provided for. Mining is popular in AK so politically I'd not expect much opposition. Pebble Mine is very unpopular locally so if that opportunity comes up, bear it in mind.

I'm not familiar at all with Pogo, Fairbanks or Delta Junction, just hear about issues and places from time to time.

quote:

Originally posted by cal30 1906:

Cal30

It all started in 1903 when the U.S. decided to catch up with the rest of the World .Since 1906 the only thing spectacular that has happened was in 1925 when God created the .270 Winchester

What has God got against coyotes, that he would create a coyote rifle cartridge?
..........................................................................

quote:

What has God got against coyotes, that he would create a coyote rifle cartridge?

Alright Elmer Ill use my .404 Jef for anything larger


Cal30

The locals resent those from out of state because they think you are taking their jobs.
I encountered that attitude at Greens Creek and Kensington.
If you're young and single, I would say to try it. After the contract there usually is the possibility to hire out with the company and home guard it instead of tramping to the next job.
In camp, one cannot get away from the job or co-workers. So that means some stressed nerves and arguments at times. Be prepared for the "fucked up cross shift" thing.

Ike


I know what you mean when I came to Nevada I was met with somewhat cold greetings as far as a miner goes.

Now if I go back to Idaho mines Ill be again a Nevada miner.

After time coworkers warm up to you in the underground envirement because the goal is still the same.
Ive suffered a few broken bones in my time and not to keen on Jacklegging much anymore or sinking shafts if you know what I mean...

Yeah I know what its like to deal with the lets Fuck the cross shift thing. I done a few pay backs myself but only when really provoked.


My favorite was to put a ping pong ball just behind the ball valve of the header on the air and water But that sort of stuff does cause everyone to lose money. And after all that is why we are all there...


cal30