(IDEX Online News) – Canada's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development has approved the development of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine as recommended by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, announced joint venture partners De Beers Canada and Mountain Province Diamonds. 

 

De Beers Canada CEO Tony Guthrie said: “The Minister’s approval confirms that the plans for the development and operation of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine meet the highest standards. The new diamond mine will benefit the economy and residents of the Northwest Territories and enhance Canada’s position as a premier diamond producer.”

 

Federal government approval allows the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board to commence processing of the applications for the Land Use Permit and Water License required to construct and operate the Gahcho Kué mine. 

 

Mountain Province President and CEO Patrick Evans commented: “Gahcho Kué has gone through the most comprehensive environmental review of any mining project in the Northwest Territories. Through this process, consultation with stakeholders has been extensive. The shareholders of Mountain Province now look forward to an efficient and timely completion of the remaining regulatory process, which is necessary to ensure the optimal development of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine.”

 

Gahcho Kué is forecast to produce an average of 4.5 million carats annually over its 11-year mine life and to employ around 700 people during the two years of construction and about 400 people during its operations phase. Gahcho Kué is a joint venture between De Beers (51 percent) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49 percent) and is located 280 km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.