Depends on the motivation. If there is a deal in the works or if Dave wants to determine the value they can work right up to Chrsitmas and be back on the ground just after New Years.

I worked on a gold project where we had the drills going until the 23rd and flew everyone home on charters. Crews were back on the drills just after New Years. Project geologist was back on site on the 27th supervising a claim staking crew. So if the pressure or reward is big enough it could be a very short break.

Under normal circumstances expect a shut down this weekend and back around the 10th of January.

... Been There