Few people know about Andrew and Edward Olson’s industrious platinum mine in remote western Alaska. Begun in 1934, the mine was a critical supplier to U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and was one of few Alaska mines allowed to continue production during the war. Known as the Goodnews Bay Mining Company, the operation produced over a half million ounces of refined platinum until it closed in the mid-1970s.

Rose and Gene enjoyed their summer employment and returned to work year round. Isolated and without telephones, the camp and the Yup’ik village of Platinum forged a meaningful bond, relying on each other for help and companionship. Battling winter on the windy tundra as caretakers of the seasonal mine, Rose and Gene learned how to navigate perilous situations and survive dangerous conditions. Their daughter Robin grew up knowing the mining camp, the small Yup’ik village and the Alaskan wilderness as home. In this personal narrative Rose relives her family’s 17 years at the mine and the deep connection they developed with both the remarkable Yup’ik people and the rugged landscape of western Alaska.