What's it like on the Bering Sea? (Platinum: to rent, loft)

[GuyPinestra]

Originally Posted by mmoyle

[SIZE=2]I was surprised to see your question. Goggle Goodnews Bay Platinum Mine. The mine is about 10 miles south of the City of Platinum.
If you are into fishing you'll love Platinum. When I managed the mine for some 9+ years fishing was one of my greatest passions after work. During the month of July the sun doesn't set until 2:30 in the morning. Your first season will be a challenge. The mine is old. Most of the houses were built in the 60's. They are dry and warm. Its like going back in time. I met the new owner of the mine this past summer. He appears to be a genuine guy. He even flew into Platinum last week to have a chat about the mine and this years plan. From my perspective, next summer is going to be exciting.
Good Luck
Mark
[/SIZE]

Thanks for the info. I don't know if I'll get the job or not, I guess they've got some ads running in some mining magazines next month, but so far I'm the only application they've gotten.

I've wanted to go to Alaska since I was a teen, and I'm hoping that this will be my big 'second childhood' adventure. Kids are grown, no major ties to hold me back, salmon, trout and halibut calling my name, I'm definitely saying my prayers on this one.

Goodnews Bay looks like a fisherman's DREAM on Google Earth.

[Shawn Bunting]

Hello, I came across this thread a while ago. I was wondering if you had anymore info on the job. I'am pleasently suprised to see a fimiliar name here. How are you doing Mark? I hope all is well with the wife and kids. Thought I'd drop a line and let you know to dust off that bottle of Scotch and pull out some of your thickest Moose steaks cause I'm comming over for DINNER!!!! See Ya SOON....

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by warptman

Our video producer made a dvd on how the mine got started.

"In 1926 Walter Smith, a Yup’ik Eskimo prospector, was searching for gold in a remote stretch of hills along Alaska’s far western Bering Sea coast. Instead of gold he uncovered one of the largest platinum deposits in North America . Out of this discovery emerged one of Alaska ’s most unique and successful mining ventures, the Goodnews Bay Mining Company. Winner of a 2005 BronzeTelly Finalist Award."

catalog_documentary (http://www.kyuk.org/video%20cat_documentary.htm - broken link)

I watched an hour long documentary about Platinum on PBS. I wonder if that's the same video you are talking about?

[warptman]

Yes it is, out video producer put that together. Great show. I even helped him find sound files.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by warptman

Yes it is, out video producer put that together. Great show. I even helped him find sound files.

Yes, I liked watching that show. It was very interesting.

[Shawn Bunting]

I have worked at this mine before in 2002,03,05 and 07 when it was owned by Hanson Industries. Platinum is a long way from anywhere but is a very beautiful place in it's own way. The local people are very welcoming and kind. I know several of the local families and consider them close friends and have a great amount of respect for them. I will be returning this year and I'am looking forward to seeing them again. Please tell me the outcome of your venture... Shawn Bunting...

[mmoyle]

Shawn,
The first members of the crew will be here on the first of April. JJ and Lyle. XS's owner and his wife will arrive with additional crew members a week or so later. Next weekend I'll be opening the road to camp with a Dozer. I hope the temperature raises above freezing...we are still accumulating snow. The wind will fill in the road causing the snow depth on the road to increase making it even more difficult to keep open.

The camp may/may not be dry. Platinum is still dry. As to the Moose. The closest Moose steak is on the hoof in the Dillingham area. The Moose population on the Goodnews River drainage will not support an open season. There hasn't been an open Moose season here since 2001.

I will be conducting the MSHA training this year for XS's crew. I did ask Phil to have an even number of experience miners and non-experienced miners. To date I don't have an employee list. Unfilled positions?

Mark

Originally Posted by Shawn Bunting

Hello, I came across this thread a while ago. I was wondering if you had anymore info on the job. I'am pleasently suprised to see a fimiliar name here. How are you doing Mark? I hope all is well with the wife and kids. Thought I'd drop a line and let you know to dust off that bottle of Scotch and pull out some of your thickest Moose steaks cause I'm comming over for DINNER!!!! See Ya SOON....

[Shawn Bunting]

Mark,
Thanks for the info. I had lunch with Phil and his wife Friday to discuss some of this years plans. I'm excited also. I'm really looking forward to implamenting this new placard plan and being apart of a productive outfit. As far as the scocth and moose steaks go I'd settle for good conversation and salmon. By the way hows the plane? You chartering flights yet? Tell the wife and kids Happy Easter!!!
Shawn...

[Sunset_Va]

watched an hour long documentary about Platinum on PBS.

Ray,was the video on PBS recently? and most likely just Alaskan PBS stations?

Maybe I can check the national listings...


thanks.....

[warptman]

You can order one from us.

catalog_documentary (http://www.kyuk.org/video%20cat_documentary.htm - broken link)

theres a bunch of other videos, too.