Bema Gold Corporation

Pevek-Kupol Winter Road

Regulations
OPERATIONS GUIDELINES

Prepared by:

Bema Gold Corporation

December 2005

Table of Contents
1.0
Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................ 1
2.0
Definitions......................................................................................................... 1
3.0
Regulations ....................................................................................................... 1
3.1
General.......................................................................................................... 1
3.2
Enforcement.................................................................................................. 2
3.3
Road Maintenance ........................................................................................ 2
3.4
Signage.......................................................................................................... 3
3.5
Dispatching ................................................................................................... 3
3.6
Trucking Companies..................................................................................... 4
4.0
Rules of the Road.............................................................................................. 4
4.1
General Penalties .......................................................................................... 4
4.2
Speed Restrictions......................................................................................... 5
4.3
Truck and Convoy Spacing........................................................................... 5
4.4
Right-of-Way ................................................................................................ 5
4.5
Dangerous Driving or Unsafe Practices........................................................ 5
4.6
Interference with Security/Road Maintenance Personnel............................. 6
4.7
Drugs, Alcohol and Firearms........................................................................ 6
4.8
Littering and Refuse Disposal....................................................................... 6
4.9
Road Numbers .............................................................................................. 7
4.10 Safety Restrictions and Equipment............................................................... 7
4.11 Designated Rest Areas .................................................................................. 7
4.12 Dispatching ................................................................................................... 7
4.13 Spills and Dangerous/Emergency Situations ................................................ 7
4.14 Stopping on Lakes and River Crossings ....................................................... 8

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

1.0 Purpose and Scope

The Winter Road Rules and Regulations (WRR) have been established by Bema Gold
Corporation to ensure safe passage from Pevek to Kupol, traffic safety and
environmental compliance. The WRR apply to all persons operating on the winter
road directly or indirectly under the authority of Bema Gold Corporation. The winter
road is private and users are reminded that continued access is dependent upon
compliance with these rules and regulations.

2.0 Definitions
Lad l: For the purposes of the WRR, Lad l refers to Nera Satellite phones usage and
is the primary means of communication on the winter road. Nera Satellite phones will
be stationed at road skid camp # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and at the Dvoynoye winter road camp.
Road Number: Sequential number and corresponding placard assigned to each and
all haul truck drivers by Pevek Dispatch.
Convoy: Group of two or more trucks dispatched to travel together on the winter
road.
Hotshot: Vehicle designation authorized by Dispatch allowing the driver to travel
alone on the winter road and to exceed posted speed limits by 10 kph unless
otherwise directed.
Winter Road: Refers to Pevek/Kupol Winter Road
Dispatch Points: Pevek, Dvoynoye and Kupol
Rest Areas: Designated rest areas include Pevek, Dvoynoye, and Kupol

3.0 Regulations
3.1 General

Bema Gold Corporation reserves the right to amend the Winter Road
Regulations & Rules of the Road at any time.
Bema Gold Corporation or delegate may suspend travel on the winter
road at anytime and without prior notice.
Speed limits, convoy size, truck spacing, load restrictions and pilot car (it will
be a Ford Pick-Up or Kamaz Vakhtovka with strobe light) requirements will
be determined by Bema Gold Corporation.
End users access to the winter road for the purpose of transporting goods and
materials must be pre-authorized in writing by Bema Gold Corporation. End
users requesting access to the winter road must sign a Road Use Agreement

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

to go past the Dvoynoye winter road camp.

Bema Gold Corporation or delegate will respond to any and all spills in
accordance with Pevek/Kupol Winter Road Spill Contingency Plan.
Bema Gold Corporation will not be responsible for third party or other service
requests outside the scope of the winter road operations.

3.2 Enforcement

Bema Gold Corporation will be responsible for controlling traffic flow on the
winter road including the enforcement of the WRR, the issuance of infraction
tickets/driver suspensions, conducting traffic related investigations and
responding to emergency situations.
Infraction tickets may be served on drivers personally or through the drivers
company representative. In those cases where a ticket is to be served through
the driver's company representative, drivers will be verbally notified of the
infraction(s) at the time of the occurrence, or as soon thereafter as is practical,
and company representatives will ensure the driver is provided a copy of the
infraction ticket as soon as possible.
Bema Gold Corporation will promptly notify companies of driver suspensions
in writing. Upon notification of a suspension, companies are responsible for
contacting the driver, and enforcing the suspension.
Suspensions will normally take effect upon completion of the current winter
road trip. If deemed necessary in the interest of public safety, security
personnel may suspend a driver immediately.
Drivers are prohibited from operating any motor vehicle on the winter road
during any period of suspension imposed under the WRR.
Suspensions issued as a result of infraction(s) committed during winter road
season may, at the discretion of Bema Gold Corporation, be carried over to
the next winter road season.
Companies may formally appeal any suspension issued under the authority of
the WRR. Appeals must be made to CMGC in writing within seven (7) days
of the suspensions effective date. CMGC will formally respond to written
appeals within 24 hours, during which period the suspensions will remain in
effect. Appeals must be sent by facsimile or E-mail to Richard Matson or
Butch Pfendler at the Kupol Site.
A driver may attract a suspension if he/she receives a penalty for different
offences. For example, if a driver gets a written warning for speeding and then
another written warning for truck spacing, the second written warning may be
sufficient for a suspension.

3.3 Road Maintenance

Bema Gold Corporation will be responsible for controlling traffic flow on the
winter road including the enforcement of the WRR, the issuance of infraction
tickets/driver suspensions, conducting traffic related investigations and
responding to emergency situations.

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

Infraction tickets may be served on drivers personally or through the drivers

company representative. In those cases where a ticket is to be served through
the driver's company representative, drivers will be verbally notified of the
infraction(s) at the time of the occurrence, or as soon thereafter as is practical,
and company representatives will ensure the driver is provided a copy of the
infraction ticket as soon as possible.
Bema Gold Corporation will promptly notify companies of driver suspensions
in writing. Upon notification of a suspension, companies are responsible for
contacting the driver, and enforcing the suspension.
Suspensions will normally take effect upon completion of the current winter
road trip. If deemed necessary in the interest of public safety, security
personnel may suspend a driver immediately.
Drivers are prohibited from operating any motor vehicle on the winter road
during any period of suspension imposed under the WRR.
Suspensions issued as a result of infractions committed during winter road
season may, at the discretion of Bema Gold Corporation, be carried over to
the next winter road season.
Companies may formally appeal any suspension issued under the authority of
the WRR. Appeals must be made to CMGC in writing within seven (7) days
of the suspensions effective date. CMGC will formally respond to written
appeals within 24 hours, during which period the suspensions will remain in
effect. Appeals must be sent by facsimile or E-mail to Richard Matson or
Butch Pfendler at the Kupol Site.
A driver may attract a suspension if he/she receives a penalty for different
offences. For example, if a driver gets a written warning for speeding and then
another written warning for truck spacing, the second written warning may be
sufficient for a suspension.

3.4 Signage

CMGC is responsible for all winter road signage.

Traffic signs will be posted along the winter road to clearly show current
speed limits, restricted travel lanes, road hazards and other information as
required.
CMGC is responsible to ensure that the WRR and all current
amendments/updates, including changes in speed, spacing and load
restrictions, arc posted in a clear, concise and consistent manner at all winter
road dispatch location for the information of all road users.
All traffic signs are to be of a size and construction and clearly visible to all
road users in daylight and darkness.

3.5 Dispatching

CMGC is responsible for controlling the dispatching of traffic for the winter
road, in consultation with trucking company dispatch personnel
Pevek Dispatch, assisted by Dispatch personnel at the winter road
camps/minesite and security personnel, will coordinate dispatching.

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

Pevek Dispatch will, upon presentation of a signed copy of the WRR, assign
drivers of authorized companies a road number.
Trucks leaving Pevek or Kupol for the winter road will report to Pevek or
Kupol Security Dispatch thirty (30) minutes prior to scheduled departure time
unless directed otherwise.
Trucks will be dispatched from designated dispatch locations in convoys
at regular intervals as dictated by road and traffic conditions.
The maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) for normal full loads will be
posted by Pevek Dispatch.
Early season loads will be designated as a percentage of unit GVW
configuration, as posted by Pevek Dispatch
GVW for normal full loads, during full load periods, may be revised
depending on ice conditions.

3.6 Trucking Companies

Trucking companies are to provide a Winter Road Orientation Program for all
winter road drivers. The program must include:
i.
ii.

iii.

iv.

A thorough review of the Winter Road Rules and Regulations.

Provision of a valid 24-hour contact telephone number & emergency
response assistance.
General overview of winter road travel including trip preparation, the
identification of common problems/solutions and instruction on dealing
with dangerous/emergency situations.
Familiarization with Russian and CMGC legislation regarding the
reporting of spills, logbooks, reporting of accidents, load restrictions and
pilot car requirements.

Trucking companies are to ensure all haul trucks are equipped with a
sleeper, unless otherwise authorized by the CMGC or delegate.

4.0 Rules of the Road

CMGC reserves the right to amend these rules at any time as required by
the seasonal variances of weather and ice conditions.

4.1 General Penalties

Unless otherwise specified, the following penalties apply to infractions of the WRR:
First Offense...Written Warning
Second Offense...3 Day Suspension
Third Offense 7 Day Suspension
Fourth Offense..............Driver banned from the Winter Road

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

4.2 Speed Restrictions

Speed restrictions will be clearly posted through bulletins at all winter road
dispatch locations and signage along the winter road.
All posted speed restrictions will designate maximum loaded speeds.
(Exception: Speeds posted on "Empty Only" CMGC will designate maximum
empty speeds.)
Empty trucks may travel at l0kph above loaded speed restrictions unless
otherwise designated.
All trucks must slow to 10 kph when traveling on/off lakes and rivers.
When loaded southbound and unloaded northbound trucks meet on a lake or
on river crossing, both must slow to l0kph.
Empty northbound trucks must yield to loaded southbound trucks by slowing
to l0kph and allowing them to pass in a safe manner. Empty northbound
trucks must slow to 15kph when passing loaded southbound trucks.
Trucks must slow to 10kph while passing trucks stopped on lakes.
Hotshots may travel at l0kph over posted speed restrictions.
The maximum speed limit for pick-up trucks (one ton rating or less) is 80kph.
All passing in the same direction must follow standard high-way regulations.

4.3 Truck and Convoy Spacing

Convoy and truck spacing restrictions will be clearly posted through bulletins at all
winter road dispatch locations.

Trucks are prohibited from traveling alone on the winter road. (Exception:
Trucks with hotshot designation may travel alone)
Trucks will be dispatched in convoy at regular intervals from dispatch
locations. Drivers are responsible for ensuring interval spacing between
convoys is maintained throughout the trip.
Drivers are to maintain kilometer spacing between trucks within convoys
when traveling the winter road unless otherwise designated.

4.4 Right-of-Way

Road maintenance vehicles have the right-of-way over all winter road traffic.
Southbound loaded trucks have the right-of-way over all other haul trucks.
Safe driving practices and common sense will dictate the right-of-way in other
instances.
Empty northbound trucks must yield to loaded southbound trucks.

4.5 Dangerous Driving or Unsafe Practices

Operating a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner is prohibited and includes but is
not restricted to the following:

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

Operating a haul truck in excess of 15 kph above the designated speed limit
constitutes operating a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner for the
purposes of this section.
Operating a truck on the winter road during any period that travel has been
suspended constitutes operating a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner for
the purposes of this section.
Loaded trucks overtaking and passing other trucks is prohibited and
constitutes operating a vehicle in a dangerous or unsafe manner for the
purposes of this section.

Penalty: First Offense - Driver banned from the Winter Road. No appeal.

4.6 Interference with Security/Road Maintenance Personnel

All vehicles will stop when requested to do so by a Security Officer or other

representative of CMGC.
Vehicles stopped by a Security Officer or other representative of CMGC will
remain stopped until advised otherwise.
Excessive verbal abuse to a Security Officer or any other CMGC
Representative will not be tolerated.
Knowingly misleading a Security Officer, CMGC Representative or providing
false dispatch information.
Penalty: First Offense - Driver banned from the Winter Road. No appeal.

4.7 Drugs, Alcohol and Firearms

The possession of drugs or alcohol on the winter road and at all winter road
camps is strictly prohibited.
Security personnel who have reason to believe a driver is in possession of
alcohol or drugs may, conduct a search of their person and any vehicle under
their control
Refusing to consent to a search at any time by a CMGC representative when
asked.
It is strictly prohibited for any person to hunt by any means (to include
firearms and trapping) along the winter road without permission from CMGC
and the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Penalty:

First Offense - Driver banned from the Winter Road forthwith and will not
be allowed to continue the trip. No appeal.

4.8 Littering and Refuse Disposal

Drivers must carry garbage bags in their trucks at all times for the purpose of
storing their refuse for proper disposal at winter road camps.
Littering on or near the winter road is prohibited.
First offense: written warning.
Second offense: Driver will be banned from the winter road.

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

4.9 Road Numbers

All drivers operating haul trucks on the winter road must be in possession of a
valid road number.
Road number placards must be displayed on the driver's side windshield or
driver's side window, so as to be clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle
when operating on the winter road.

4.10 Safety Restrictions and Equipment

Haul trucks are restricted to two drivers. (Exception: As authorized by CMGC

Delegate, a trainer may accompany a trainee for instructional purposes
provided they do not collectively exceed the allowable operating hours for a
single driver.)
Truck sleepers are not to be occupied while traveling on the winter road,
While operating a vehicle on the winter road, all drivers must be in possession
of survival equipment suitable for arctic climates including but not restricted
to a parka, wind pants, winter footwear, headwear and mitts.

All haul trucks operating on the winter road must be equipped with flashlight and a
tool kit.

4.11 Designated Rest Areas

Designated rest, areas are: Dvoynoye 50 men camp, Kupol and Pevek.
Drivers should plan rest stops for designated rest areas only. Unscheduled
rest stops en route present safety concerns and should not normally be
necessary or planned
Should a driver find it necessary to stop for an unscheduled rest stop, he/she
must take reasonable steps to, ensure that security personnel are notified of the
circumstances as soon as possible.

4.12 Dispatching

All drivers are required to report to Pevek or Kupol Security Dispatch 30

minutes prior to northbound and on return from southbound trips.
Drivers must report to all winter road dispatch locations along their route.
All drivers must comply with direction given by dispatch personnel.
Providing incorrect departure or arrival time at any dispatch point is
prohibited.

4.13 Spills and Dangerous/Emergency Situations

All persons operating on the winter road shall report any spill or other
dangerous/emergency situation to security or dispatch personnel as soon as
possible.
CMGC or designate will follow the procedures outlined in the BEMA spill
response manual.

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1

Failure to report a spill or dangerous situation constitutes a violation under

these rules.
Penalty: First Offense ..7 Day Suspension.

4.14 Stopping on Lakes and River Crossings

Trucks stopping on lakes or river crossings are prohibited.

Should circumstances make stopping on a lake unavoidable, drivers must
notify security personnel and make every effort to move their truck off the
lake as soon as possible.
Any driver stopping to offer assistance must use extreme caution in
maintaining reasonable spacing between trucks.

It is strictly forbidden for any individual to feed wildlife while operating or

traveling along the winter road.
All individuals are encouraged to report to a CMGC representative wildlife
sightings and which would include but not be limited to the following:

Abandoned carcasses
Injured Wildlife
Harassment of Wildlife

Winter Road Regulations, Volume 1