Red Dog Mine: Work on Day 2 and a Wolf on Day 3

Work commenced on Tuesday morning. We were looking for a place to mount our antennas, which would be out of the way of the ship loading operations at the dock. In order to do that, we had to go and check out the end of the dock. The only way out there is along the conveyor belt that transports the zinc and lead to the ships. The conveyor belt is housed in a long grey ramping corridor that reaches out to the ships.


Before entering the conveyor belt walkway, we had to don safety glasses, hard hats, life jackets, and dust masks to ensure our safety along the narrow walkway and when we exited a few meters above the surface of the water.


After a bit of time and effort looking for a good spot for our antennas, we decided to head back and discuss our options, which weren't all that great. Simply enough, on our way back to the dorms, we passed a conex that would perfectly house our electronics. After we inquired about it, it turns out it is even half empty. Mission Accomplished!!


With our work completed, we could continue being tourists. They showed us around the rest of the port facilites, including the two largest buildings in Alaska, which were similar to airplane hangers and house all of the lead and zinc that is mined over the winter.


Every year, as soon as the sea ice breaks up (usually early July) and ships can reach the port, the buildings begin to empty as the zinc and lead are tranported along the approximately mile long conveyor belt to the ships.

When it was time to leave, we boarded the transport bus to travel back to the mine and the runway. Along the way we were treated by a wolf sighting! Ah yes, another benefit of working in Alaska.