Snap Lake Impact Benefit Agreement Reached

Lutsel K'e, Kache Dene First Nation, and De Beers Canada have agreed on the terms of an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) for the Snap Lake diamond mine. The agreement was announced after a community ratification process on April 23, in which the Aboriginals voted to accept it.

The IBA lists the commitments made by De Beers and Lutsel K'e and Kache Dene First Nation, outlining the way the parties will work together to mitigate the impact that the project may have.

“With the conclusion of this agreement, we now have a formal framework for a long term relationship, based on mutual respect,” said Chantal Lavoie, Vice President - NWT Projects.

According to Jim Gowans, President and CEO of De Beers Canada, the “agreement confirms community support for the success of the Snap Lake Mine and establishes the way through which Lutsel K'e will share in the benefits of our success.”

Gowans said locals agree to respect De Beers’ rights to operate the mine, while De Beers will provide training, education, employment, business opportunities, and financial compensation.

This is the fourth and final IBA De Beers has negotiated for the mine. Previous IBAs have been concluded with the Yellowknife Dene First Nation, the Tlicho Government and the North Slave Metis Alliance.

The official signing ceremony will take place on Aboriginal Day, June 21 in Lutsel K'e, in Canada’s Northwest Territories.