Aboriginal Groups Asking Govt to Reject Plans for Gahcho Kue

(IDEX Online News) – Three aboriginal groups in Canada’s Northwest Territories are calling upon the federal government to reject the territory's latest diamond mine – Gahcho Kue – in its current format.

A 51-49 percent joint venture of De Beers and Mountain Province Diamond Inc., the project passed an environmental review in July.

However, aboriginal groups – Lutsel K'e Dene, the Yellowknives Dene, and the Tlicho government – say the company's plans to reduce the impact on the environment are not good enough, reports CBC news.

De Beers and Mountain Province Diamonds are proposing the drainage of the southern part of Kennady Lake.

Critics say the review does not address their concerns about water quality, caribou, or the future of Kennady Lake after it's drained for mining. They also say there's no clear benefit to people in the area.

They're asking the minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to order a further review on the project.