Manh Choh Access Road

Understanding the Access Needs

The Manh Choh Mining project in Tetlin, Alaska, required a safe, constructible route to move people, equipment, and materials from the Tetlin Flats up to a ridge nearly 2,000 feet higher—a climb across slopes steeper than the domes around Fairbanks. Manh Choh also needed the full suite of mine-support infrastructure to be designed and ready for permitting to maintain a development window of just over 2.5 years, from scoping to mining start-up.

Design Decisions That Support Daily Operations

RESPEC evaluated road alignments with 6% and 10% maximum grades, comparing haul safety, maintenance expectations, and earthwork requirements. The team selected a sidehill alignment with the flatter grade profile. Although this option required more excavation and fill, it offered a safer and more reliable long-term route for mine operations.

In total, the team designed 18 miles of site access road and 3 miles of mine road, along with the infrastructure needed to support mining: water management systems for both the mine and ore load-out sites, facility and ore load-out pads, fuel storage, stand-alone power, sanitary utilities, and a personnel camp. During bidding and construction, RESPEC continued to support Manh Choh by responding to Requests for Information and ensuring that field activities remained aligned with the construction schedule.

A Foundation for Future Mining

The project delivered a safer access route, reliable site systems, and a transportation link that supported construction activities and mining operations. Together, these elements provide a strong foundation as Manh Choh continues full operations.