Diamond Slowdown: Expansion at Gahcho Kue is "Paused"

(IDEX Online) - Mountain Province Diamonds (MPD) say it has "paused" plans for a key expansion that would have prolonged the life of its Gahcho Kue mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. 

MPD, together with De Beers, its joint venture partner, say "current market conditions" are to blame.

In a corporate update published on 13 February they say plans for Tuzo Phase 3, an open pit project targeting high-value kimberlite, is being put on hold.

Planning and early studies have been completed, but major physical development has not yet started.

"The partners remain committed to responsibly managing operations at the Mine and will continue to monitor market conditions to determine the optimal timing for any future development of the Tuzo Phase 3 project," MPD said in the update.

The postponement will not impact production or sales in 2026, it said, as mining continues at the NEX pipe.

MPD is due to issue its Q4 2025 production and sales figures later this week, along with its guidance for 2026.

Postponing Tuzo Phase 3 avoids major capital expenditure but could shorten the life of the mine.

MPD must meet its 49 per cent share of joint venture cash calls totaling CAD 49.2m (USD 36.1m) for Gahcho Kue operations, with the first payment due next month

The project was designed to sustain operations from roughly 2027 through 2030, with ore processing extending to 2031, building on earlier plans that already pushed the mine life to 2031 via pit optimizations.

Pic courtesy MPD shows Gahcho Kue mine.