There are five major diamond mines in Canada: The Ekati, Diavit, and Snap Lake mines in
the Northwest Territories, as well as the Vctor mine in Ontario and Jericho mine in Nunavut. Only
three of the five are currently in production but the others are soon to follow. Once all of
the mines are in production they are expected to push Canada into the number three spot of
diamond producers worldwide. They will be behind Botswana and Russia.
The Mines
Ekati Mine (Northwest Territory): The Ekati mine is located 120 miles south of
the Artic Circle, 100 miles north of the tree line, and 300 miles north of Yellowknife. It
was the first mine to be opened in 1998 and it is owned by the BHP diamond company. The
average production of this mine over its expected 20 year life span will peak at approximately
three to five million carats a year. It will account for four percent of the world's total
production.
Diavik Mine (Northwest Territory): The Diavik Mine is located on the same lake as
the Ekati Mine, but on a 20 square km island called East Island. The mine started production
in 2003 under Aber Diamond Corporation and Diavik Diamond Mines, Inc. Over its 20 year expected life span this mine will peak
at six to eight million carats a year and will account for five percent of the world's diamonds.
Snap Lake Mine (Northwest Territory): The Snap Lake Mine is located 220 km
northeast of Yellowknife and just south of the tree line. Snap Lake is owned by De Beers and
will begin production in 2007. The life span on this mine is also 20 years. It is expected to
produce one and a half million carats a year.
Victor Mine (Ontario): The Victor Mine is located in the James Bay Lowlands, 90 km
from the First Nation community Attawapiskat. This mine had to be approved by the people of the
Attawapiskat tribe, before any plans could be made for production. They approved construction
by an 85% to 15% vote and construction on the mine began earlier this year. This mine is operated by De Beers and thus, their second
diamond mine in Canada.
Jericho Mine (Nunavut): The Jericho Mine is located on the north end of Contwoyto Lake
in West Kitikmeot. This location is 420 km north-northeast of Yellowknife and 170 km north of the Ekati mine.
This mine opened in 2006 and only has an eight year life expectancy. Over this life span the mine
is expected to produce three million carats. It is owned by the Tahera Diamond Corporation and
has arranged an agreement with the Tiffany Company.
Environmental Impacts
All of these companies have taken every possible opportunity to make sure they comply
with the environmental codes of these regions. The Canadian mining industry was the first in
the world to develop and adopt a national environmental policy. Many of the mines also have
on-site conservationists that ensure environmental safety year round. The mines that had to
drain lakes to excavate the kimberlite pipes created drainage canals to ensure the well being of
the native fish. Another consideration that was made was the migratory routes for birds and
caribou. This had to be planned out because the Inuit people of these regions depend on these
animals for their survival. The many companies have tried to employ as many people from the local
communities as they could and make a positive impact.
A drained lake becomes an open Panda Pit mine at Ekati.
Image left taken from:
ekati.bhpbilliton.com/repository/newsImages/imageLibrary.asp.
Both images available at Ekati Professional Development,
www.edumine.com/ekati/.
The Future
Although many of these mines will be out of production in 20 years I suspect that if
production continues to go well more mines will be built in other regions of Canada's northlands.
A lot of effort has gone into creating a sustainable diamond industry. It is thought that by
integrating economic, social, and environmental goals the diamond companies will be able to
sustain a quality lifestyle for Canada both present and future.
References and Links
Ekati Diamond Mine, ekati.bhpbilliton.com/default.asp
Diavik Diamond Mine, www.diavik.ca/index.htm
De Beers Canada, www.debeerscanada.com
Jericho Diamond Mine, tahera.com/jericho_diamond.html
Canada: A Diamond Producing Nation, www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/diam/index_e.htm. View the Formation of Diamonds animation!
Return to GO 340 student webpages.
Comments and questions can be directed to E. Allen. Date the webpage was created 29 April, 2006; last update 2 May, 2006. © 2006 Erin Allen. All rights reserved.
