The long-standing Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) is ceasing its operations and transitioning towards a focus on remediation. Situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, the mine, owned by Rio Tinto, has been in production for several decades, yielding over 150 million carats of diamonds.
As of Tuesday, the mine has permanently closed after employing hundreds of individuals, with a peak workforce exceeding 1,000 people. While not all workers are local residents, some, like Sean Sinclair from Ontario, have established roots in the territory over the past ten years. Sinclair, who initially joined Diavik while pursuing his master’s degree, has progressed to become a closure manager at the mine.
Sinclair’s personal connections to the region are strengthened as he met his wife in Yellowknife, who coincidentally also works at Diavik. Expressing their fondness for the city, Sinclair affirmed their intention to remain in Yellowknife for the foreseeable future.
Following the mine’s closure, employees like Mike Lowing, the principal adviser for health, safety, and environment, shared similar sentiments. Having resided in Yellowknife since 1974, Lowing emphasized the city’s promising prospects despite the challenges posed by the closure of diamond mines.
Lowing highlighted the impact of Diavik’s closure on various communities across the territory. However, with the recent announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney of a $35-billion investment plan for the North, including projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson hydro expansion, opportunities for future employment are anticipated.
Though Diavik is concluding its operations, Alex Clinton, a senior adviser at the mine, advocates for continued mining activities in the region. Emphasizing the potential in gold mining, Clinton envisions an expansion in this sector to meet the rising global demand for the precious metal.
With Yellowknife’s historical association with gold mining, recent developments such as the construction of a new winter road near Mon Mine signal a resurgence in gold mining activities. The Mon Mine, slated for reopening after nearly three decades, is positioned to capitalize on the soaring gold prices, which have recently exceeded $5,000 US per ounce.
Looking ahead, Clinton aspires to see his children pursue opportunities in the mining industry, mirroring his own lifelong dedication to the sector in the Northwest Territories.