2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

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Andy Bolland​

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​​​Andy Bolland moved to Nevada in July 1984 to work at Pinson Mining Company, first as a senior metallurgist, then as mill superintendent manager. In 1988 Andy went to work as Process Manager for a relatively unknown company called Barrick at a small property on the Carlin Trend called Goldstrike. At that point, Goldstrike was only operating a heap leach. Over the next decade under Andy’s leadership, Goldstrike’s process added an oxide mill circuit, a 17,500 tpd pressure oxidation circuit, and then a 12,000 tpd roasting facility. Gold production expanded from 120,000/160,000 ounces in 1988 to over 2 million ounces per year for a 10-year period starting in 1995. 

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Furthermore, under Andy’s guidance, Goldstrike built a world-class production assay lab and metallurgical lab. The assay lab supported the process, a 500,000 tpd open pit mining operation, and two underground mines. The metallurgical lab supported process improvement and expansion. After a short stint as Goldstrike Mine Open Pit Manager, Andy went on to roles in Barrick North America as Director of Technical Services and Director of Operations. In these roles, he led the integration of Ruby Hill, Bald Mountain, Turquoise Ridge, and Cortez into Barrick’s operating portfolio, along with the Round Mountain and Marigold Joint Ventures.

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Andy’s greatest impact and the one contribution that has had a lasting impact on Nevada and process operations was his integrity, inspiration, and supportive leadership. Andy built and mentored a great team of metallurgists, supervisors, and operators while at Goldstrike, many of whom are still contributing to Nevada’s mineral processing today.

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Andy’s authored many papers over the years for SME on many subjects encompassing autoclaves, roasters, mercury control, and gold refining. Also, he chaired several technical sessions at the SME annual conference.

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