Mining News: News Nuggets: Another safety milestone reached at Pogo

Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo Aug. 31 reported that the employees at the Pogo gold mine in Interior Alaska have worked more than two years without a lost-time incident. Mine management said this milestone, reached on Aug. 28, reflects the dedication and commitment to safety among the more than 300 employees at Alaska’s largest underground gold mine. “We have reason to celebrate,” said Pogo General Manager Chris Kennedy said. “Every single person at Pogo has focused on safety every single day for the past two years. I’m proud to be part of such a conscientious team.” Steve Steel, mine health, safety and loss control manager at Pogo said the safety milestone is something for every mine employee to take pride in. “In any industry, two years with zero LTI’s is a significant achievement,” Steel said. “Underground mining presents unique challenges and the Pogo team has successfully developed a safety culture that defines safety as a core value that will not be compromised, regardless of any change in priority during the work day.”

–Shane Lasley