December 2011 Edition

www.nativejournal.ca

MINING OUR RESOURCES
December 2011 index

Métis Nation British Columbia’s economic development takes a large step outside the box

The Mining Association of Canada contributes once again to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

Mines Act changes signal B.C. ready to dig in against environmentalists

Webequie First Nation reaffirms community rights in Ring of Fire

Diavik begins wind farm construction at mine site

Métis Nation British Columbia’s economic development takes a large step outside the box

In October 2011, the Métis Nation British Columbia, the B.C. Métis Assembly of Natural Resources (BCMANR) and Silvatech Consulting Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). One of the objectives was to pursue a mutually beneficial working relationship that helps MNBC meet its obligations set out in the MNBC Natural Resources Act including training, employment and work experience for MNBC citizens and helping MNBC and Silvatech to secure revenue generating environmental and resource management contracts. To achieve this objective MNBC, BCMANR and Silvatech Consulting Ltd. are proud to announce the establishment of Niché Environmental Ltd., an MNBC economic development company.

The name Niché has a dual meaning as it is an ecological term describing the relational position of a species or population in its ecosystem to each other but in Michif/Cree, it means to work or come together for a common purpose.

Niché Environmental Ltd. has brought together a team of professionals to offer a myriad of services catered to meeting the challenges faced by Métis, Inuit and First Nations communities. Our team comprises experts in the fields of biology, ecology, mapping and the social sciences. Niché will focus on five (5) key areas including:

Community-based Research Services;

Digital mapping, GIS, Remote Sensing and Databases;

Forest and Environmental Management;

Environmental Planning and Analysis; and lastly,

Land and Resource Inventories.

MNBC and Silvatech will share ownership of this company (MNBC owns 51% type-A shares and Silvatech has 49% type-A shares). Niché Environmental Ltd. will immediately start to pursue procurement opportunities with the private sector, industry, provincial/federal government and Aboriginal communities across Canada.

Additionally, through the combined expertise of MNBC and Silvatech, Niché will also provide the professional support mandated within the MNBC Natural Resources Act. Silvatech Consulting Ltd. is also proud to announce the employment of two MNBC Citizens, Mr. Dean Trumbley, RP Bio., P. Biol. and Mr. Zachary Romano, BA, MA which is another achievement highlighted within the MOU.

Terry Smith, CEO and owner of Silvatech, stated, “The creation of Niché Environmental Ltd., as an Aboriginal corporation and partnership between the Métis Nation BC and Silvatech Consulting Ltd., is an exciting prospect. It represents the coming together of two organizations and cultures in combining their respective skills and strengths of traditional Aboriginal knowledge and western science, to provide holistic environmental services to Aboriginal organizations, resource industries and governments at all levels.”

MNBC’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Bob Trumbley commented, “Niché will not just benefit the MNBC and its 35 Chartered Communities but the B.C. Métis Assembly of Natural Resources as well. This combining of Aboriginal traditional knowledge with western-based science will provide a unique service that will benefit all Niché clientele. Silvatech Consulting Ltd. operates Canada-wide and is renowned for its high-quality of service and expertise; this partnership will open many doors for Métis people throughout the Homeland.”

“Right now the oil and gas sector is booming, not to mention that the MNBC has signed MOUs with many of these companies, and requires the type of service that Niché Environmental Ltd. is offering. The timing is perfect and I can only see great things for this new economic development venture of the MNBC”, stated Dan Pope, MNBC’s Minister for Economic Development.

Niché Environmental Ltd. is committed to working together for a common cause and as an Aboriginal business; Niché is unique as it will be stepping outside the box by walking in both worlds for the betterment of all Métis, Inuit and First Nations people, our lands and resources.

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The Mining Association of Canada contributes once again to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

During its annual Mining Day on the Hill event, the Mining Association of Canada made a $2500 contribution to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF). This builds upon the $25,000 contribution made earlier this year, for a total contribution of $27,500.

The mining industry is a strong supporter of Aboriginal education programs across Canada and particularly in rural and northern communities. Mining is a prominent partner in the federal government’s Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership programs, with initiatives active in many Canadian jurisdictions.

MAC member companies are also active supporters of Aboriginal education, supporting numerous scholarship programs and other initiatives. MAC’s support for NAAF builds on this work.

“Mining is the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal Canadians and our future depends on their growing participation in our sector,” says Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MAC. “Canada’s mining sector is poised for significant growth and potential new investment of almost $140 billion in the next 5-10 years. Investing in Aboriginal education through organizations like NAAF led with distinction by President and CEO Roberta Jamieson, is one way we can support Aboriginal youth and invest in our future together.”

“The Mining Association of Canada’s ongoing support of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives is inspiring. This donation will help us provide the tools and resources for a brighter future for Indigenous youth,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO, Roberta Jamieson.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has flourished under the leadership of Ms. Jamieson. In her six years leading NAAF, support for Aboriginal youth has dramatically increased with NAAF doubling its previous total in bursaries and scholarship funding. Since 2005 alone, NAAF has supported 6690 students with over $22.6 million. She has extended the Foundation’s career fairs into the North, Quebec and the Maritimes and is Executive Producer of the nationally televised National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.

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Mines Act changes signal B.C. ready to dig in against environmentalists

By Dirk Meissner

Premier Christy Clark is about to find out her plans to chip away at the mountain of bureaucracy facing mining developments in British Columbia won’t be an easy climb if environmental groups have any say in the matter.

Opening eight new mines is a key plank of Clark’s jobs strategy, the most important policy initiative she’s launched since becoming premier early this year, and mid-November, the Liberals introduced minor changes to the Mines Act.

The move has triggered an avalanche of protest from the Sierra Club of B.C. which accused the government of looking to clear the way for mining companies to bulldoze the province.

Sierra Club president George Heyman said Clark’s Liberals are heading in the opposite direction of public opinion if they loosen regulations to open more mines.

“We’re not anti-mining, I want to be clear about that,” said Heyman. “But if the government is going to stake B.C.’s economic future on mining, then we should do it in an environmentally responsible way that’s transparent, science-based and has good environmental assessment processes.”

He said British Columbians oppose relaxed approval standards for mining developments and fear the province will make sacrifices today that could cause future regrets.

Besides eight new mines over the next four years, Clark has said there will be upgrades to nine existing ones.

She has said she wants to lessen the regulatory burden on mining companies, while maintaining vigorous environmental standards on their operations.

Mines Minister Rich Coleman said the Mines Act amendments introduced last week will allow mining companies to conduct low-risk explorations without going through a lengthy permitting process.

He said the activities covered by the changes are focused on small drill programs that don’t require road-building. He said the government plans to consult further with First Nations, industry, the public and government agencies.

“To go through a one or two-year process would make no sense for that,” said Coleman.

“There has to be a way we can streamline that. We need to be able to understand we’re going to hold it to a high standard but it doesn’t need to go through a significant process as if you were processing a mine, which is a multi-year process.”

A recent Mining Association of B.C. report concluded mining in British Columbia generated almost $9 billion in activities last year, including 45,703 direct and indirect jobs.

Government records show that since 2001, there have been 38 mine project applications submitted to the province’s Environmental Assessment Office. Of those 38 applications, 10 received environmental go-aheads, and three of those 10 or currently in operation.

But environmentalists like Heyman say the province has made some alarming moves in an effort to encourage the industry.

He noted the B.C. government’s approval of a mining permit for the controversial Taseko copper mine project near Williams Lake that included using a lake for tailings disposal.

The federal government disagreed with the province and rejected environmental approval for the mine, but the proposal now is undergoing another review process.

Local First Nations are vehemently opposed to the Taseko mine.

“We should all take a step back and take into account certain values that are strongly held by British Columbians, one of which is you don’t drain or kill lakes in order to dispose of mine tailings,” said Heyman.

University of B.C. mining engineering Prof. Michael Hitch said mining is British Columbia’s new destiny, replacing forestry and the fishery as major resource revenue and job generators.

“Ecotourism is awesome, but you know what? It’s not going to pay for socialized health care for the province of British Columbia,” he said.

“We have a standard of living which we enjoy in this province and in order to have this standard of living we need to pay for it somehow.”

Hitch said Canada’s mining industry is regarded as the most efficient and environmentally safe in the world, but the B.C. government needs to do a better job telling people how mining works and how it contributes to the province.

Coleman rejected any suggestions the government is pandering to the mining industry.

“If you look at how long it takes to get a mine approved in British Columbia, it’s just the opposite,” he said. “Our mining industry is recognized as one of the best stewards of the land of any mining industry in the world.”

Teck Resources spokeswoman Marcia Smith said the copper and steel-making coal that is mined in British Columbia is in great worldwide demand and companies are looking to expand.

“In B.C., Teck has about 6,500 people and we will hire about 1,100 new people in our company next year in B.C. alone,” she said.

Teck has applied to expand its operations at its five steel-making coal mines in the Sparwood-Fernie areas of southeastern B.C. and is considering re-opening the closed open-pit Quintette coal mine at Tumbler Ridge.

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Webequie First Nation reaffirms community rights in Ring of Fire

The Chief and Council of Webequie First Nation is reaffirming its community rights and local autonomy with respect to decision-making processes in the Ring of Fire. On November 23rd, Webequie First Nation released two independent documents; a Community Position Paper and a Consultation and Accommodation Protocol, which both clarify and outline for industry, government and the public that the membership of Webequie First Nation will determine their own community-led negotiated process as it relates to the traditional, historic, ancestral, and customary areas of Webequie First Nation.

Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation says; “Following recent reports in the media and consequent enquiries, Webequie First Nation would like to remind all those who wish to work with our First Nation and, particularly commercial entities, that they must have direct engagement and consultation with our First Nation before and above any other agency. We, the Webequie First Nation people, are the primary contact and exclusive decision-makers for our community, not any third party or external organization.”

Webequie First Nation is one of the two northern First Nations that will be most directly impacted by the potential mining developments for the Ring of Fire area. Webequie First Nation is a member community of the Matawa First Nations Management Tribal Council, which was created to serve First Nations.

In recent weeks, the Matawa First Nations Management Tribal Council has been promoting a stop order on development in the Ring of Fire and lobbying for a Joint Panel Review Environmental Assessment on behalf of all the regional Matawa First Nations. Webequie First Nation supports regional First Nations’ concerns over the current Environmental Assessment process but notes that the Matawa Tribal Council or any other third party, is not a decision-making authority or community voice for Webequie First Nation.

Continues Wabasse; “Matawa First Nations Tribal Council provides our First Nations with important support services but it must be clearly understood that its staff do not represent our First Nation membership on community issues. Industry and government are required to engage directly with our First Nation and it is the Webequie Council through quorum who can legally commit Webequie First Nation to any type of process or agreement that affects its membership.”

In addition to establishing Webequie First Nation’s position on the Matawa Tribal Council, the Community Position Paper also provides important community information on Industry and Government Protocol, Regional Infrastructure as well as the Discovery Area.

“The purpose of publicly releasing these documents is to help guide industry, government and any other commercial interests through the process of doing business or working collaboratively with our First Nation.

“We want to demonstrate that there are meaningful paths forward to building positive and mutually beneficial working relationships. We believe that education and awareness are the best way to build understanding and reciprocal respect.”

Webequie First Nation has built tremendous community capacity over the past three years to become investment-ready and prepare to take advantage of emerging socio-economic benefits in the Ring of Fire. This capacity includes the establishment of a community-based Webequie Ring of Fire team. Copies of both the Community Position Paper and Consultation and Accommodation Protocol are available upon request through the Webequie First Nation Ring of Fire Office.

Webequie First Nation is a growing Ojibway community located 540 km north of the city of Thunder Bay. Webequie First Nation is the closest community to the discovery areas in the Ring of Fire and it has over 700+ community members, many of which are actively enjoying their traditional cultural practices and harvesting activities.

back to top

Diavik begins wind farm construction at mine site

After several years of studying renewable energy resources, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is pleased to announce the start of construction of a wind farm at our mine site.

With investment from our joint venture partners, Rio Tinto and Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, approved earlier this year, and much planning completed, we have now advanced the Diavik wind farm to initial construction. Four 2.3 megawatt turbines will be constructed providing a capacity of 9.2 megawatts.

Diavik currently, relies on diesel fuel for all our energy needs. The wind farm will reduce our diesel use by approximately four million litres, about ten per cent of our total diesel consumption. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by approximately 12,000 tonnes, or six per cent of total emissions. By diversifying our energy mix at our mine we will offset some of the risks associated with reliance on diesel.

“The benefits of the initiative are numerous and will be realized for many years to come. Diversifying our energy portfolio reduces our greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on diesel fuel,” said Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Acting President and Chief Operating officer Alasdair Martin.

“We are optimistic that the innovations, experience, and knowledge gained from our wind farm will be able to be shared with others in the North,” he added.

Under the current plan, construction and commissioning of Diavik’s wind farm, located on East Island at Lac de Gras, is expected to be completed next year. Once operational, it will be the first large-scale wind farm in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 kms northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

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MNBC and Silvatech will share ownership of this company (MNBC owns 51% type-A shares and Silvatech has 49% type-A shares). Niché Environmental Ltd. will immediately start to pursue procurement opportunities with the private sector, industry, provincial/federal government and Aboriginal communities across Canada.

Additionally, through the combined expertise of MNBC and Silvatech, Niché will also provide the professional support mandated within the MNBC Natural Resources Act. Silvatech Consulting Ltd. is also proud to announce the employment of two MNBC Citizens, Mr. Dean Trumbley, RP Bio., P. Biol. and Mr. Zachary Romano, BA, MA which is another achievement highlighted within the MOU.

Terry Smith, CEO and owner of Silvatech, stated, “The creation of Niché Environmental Ltd., as an Aboriginal corporation and partnership between the Métis Nation BC and Silvatech Consulting Ltd., is an exciting prospect. It represents the coming together of two organizations and cultures in combining their respective skills and strengths of traditional Aboriginal knowledge and western science, to provide holistic environmental services to Aboriginal organizations, resource industries and governments at all levels.”

MNBC’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Bob Trumbley commented, “Niché will not just benefit the MNBC and its 35 Chartered Communities but the B.C. Métis Assembly of Natural Resources as well. This combining of Aboriginal traditional knowledge with western-based science will provide a unique service that will benefit all Niché clientele. Silvatech Consulting Ltd. operates Canada-wide and is renowned for its high-quality of service and expertise; this partnership will open many doors for Métis people throughout the Homeland.”

“Right now the oil and gas sector is booming, not to mention that the MNBC has signed MOUs with many of these companies, and requires the type of service that Niché Environmental Ltd. is offering. The timing is perfect and I can only see great things for this new economic development venture of the MNBC”, stated Dan Pope, MNBC’s Minister for Economic Development.

Niché Environmental Ltd. is committed to working together for a common cause and as an Aboriginal business; Niché is unique as it will be stepping outside the box by walking in both worlds for the betterment of all Métis, Inuit and First Nations people, our lands and resources.

The Mining Association of Canada contributes once again to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

During its annual Mining Day on the Hill event, the Mining Association of Canada made a $2500 contribution to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF). This builds upon the $25,000 contribution made earlier this year, for a total contribution of $27,500.

The mining industry is a strong supporter of Aboriginal education programs across Canada and particularly in rural and northern communities. Mining is a prominent partner in the federal government’s Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership programs, with initiatives active in many Canadian jurisdictions.

MAC member companies are also active supporters of Aboriginal education, supporting numerous scholarship programs and other initiatives. MAC’s support for NAAF builds on this work.

“Mining is the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal Canadians and our future depends on their growing participation in our sector,” says Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MAC. “Canada’s mining sector is poised for significant growth and potential new investment of almost $140 billion in the next 5-10 years. Investing in Aboriginal education through organizations like NAAF led with distinction by President and CEO Roberta Jamieson, is one way we can support Aboriginal youth and invest in our future together.”

“The Mining Association of Canada’s ongoing support of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives is inspiring. This donation will help us provide the tools and resources for a brighter future for Indigenous youth,” said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO, Roberta Jamieson.

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation has flourished under the leadership of Ms. Jamieson. In her six years leading NAAF, support for Aboriginal youth has dramatically increased with NAAF doubling its previous total in bursaries and scholarship funding. Since 2005 alone, NAAF has supported 6690 students with over $22.6 million. She has extended the Foundation’s career fairs into the North, Quebec and the Maritimes and is Executive Producer of the nationally televised National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.

Mines Act changes signal B.C. ready to dig in against environmentalists

By Dirk Meissner

Premier Christy Clark is about to find out her plans to chip away at the mountain of bureaucracy facing mining developments in British Columbia won’t be an easy climb if environmental groups have any say in the matter.

Opening eight new mines is a key plank of Clark’s jobs strategy, the most important policy initiative she’s launched since becoming premier early this year, and mid-November, the Liberals introduced minor changes to the Mines Act.

The move has triggered an avalanche of protest from the Sierra Club of B.C. which accused the government of looking to clear the way for mining companies to bulldoze the province.

Sierra Club president George Heyman said Clark’s Liberals are heading in the opposite direction of public opinion if they loosen regulations to open more mines.

“We’re not anti-mining, I want to be clear about that,” said Heyman. “But if the government is going to stake B.C.’s economic future on mining, then we should do it in an environmentally responsible way that’s transparent, science-based and has good environmental assessment processes.”

He said British Columbians oppose relaxed approval standards for mining developments and fear the province will make sacrifices today that could cause future regrets.

Besides eight new mines over the next four years, Clark has said there will be upgrades to nine existing ones.

She has said she wants to lessen the regulatory burden on mining companies, while maintaining vigorous environmental standards on their operations.

Mines Minister Rich Coleman said the Mines Act amendments introduced last week will allow mining companies to conduct low-risk explorations without going through a lengthy permitting process.

He said the activities covered by the changes are focused on small drill programs that don’t require road-building. He said the government plans to consult further with First Nations, industry, the public and government agencies.

“To go through a one or two-year process would make no sense for that,” said Coleman.

“There has to be a way we can streamline that. We need to be able to understand we’re going to hold it to a high standard but it doesn’t need to go through a significant process as if you were processing a mine, which is a multi-year process.”

A recent Mining Association of B.C. report concluded mining in British Columbia generated almost $9 billion in activities last year, including 45,703 direct and indirect jobs.

Government records show that since 2001, there have been 38 mine project applications submitted to the province’s Environmental Assessment Office. Of those 38 applications, 10 received environmental go-aheads, and three of those 10 or currently in operation.

But environmentalists like Heyman say the province has made some alarming moves in an effort to encourage the industry.

He noted the B.C. government’s approval of a mining permit for the controversial Taseko copper mine project near Williams Lake that included using a lake for tailings disposal.

The federal government disagreed with the province and rejected environmental approval for the mine, but the proposal now is undergoing another review process.

Local First Nations are vehemently opposed to the Taseko mine.

“We should all take a step back and take into account certain values that are strongly held by British Columbians, one of which is you don’t drain or kill lakes in order to dispose of mine tailings,” said Heyman.

University of B.C. mining engineering Prof. Michael Hitch said mining is British Columbia’s new destiny, replacing forestry and the fishery as major resource revenue and job generators.

“Ecotourism is awesome, but you know what? It’s not going to pay for socialized health care for the province of British Columbia,” he said.

“We have a standard of living which we enjoy in this province and in order to have this standard of living we need to pay for it somehow.”

Hitch said Canada’s mining industry is regarded as the most efficient and environmentally safe in the world, but the B.C. government needs to do a better job telling people how mining works and how it contributes to the province.

Coleman rejected any suggestions the government is pandering to the mining industry.

“If you look at how long it takes to get a mine approved in British Columbia, it’s just the opposite,” he said. “Our mining industry is recognized as one of the best stewards of the land of any mining industry in the world.”

Teck Resources spokeswoman Marcia Smith said the copper and steel-making coal that is mined in British Columbia is in great worldwide demand and companies are looking to expand.

“In B.C., Teck has about 6,500 people and we will hire about 1,100 new people in our company next year in B.C. alone,” she said.

Teck has applied to expand its operations at its five steel-making coal mines in the Sparwood-Fernie areas of southeastern B.C. and is considering re-opening the closed open-pit Quintette coal mine at Tumbler Ridge.

Webequie First Nation reaffirms community rights in Ring of Fire

The Chief and Council of Webequie First Nation is reaffirming its community rights and local autonomy with respect to decision-making processes in the Ring of Fire. On November 23rd, Webequie First Nation released two independent documents; a Community Position Paper and a Consultation and Accommodation Protocol, which both clarify and outline for industry, government and the public that the membership of Webequie First Nation will determine their own community-led negotiated process as it relates to the traditional, historic, ancestral, and customary areas of Webequie First Nation.

Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation says; “Following recent reports in the media and consequent enquiries, Webequie First Nation would like to remind all those who wish to work with our First Nation and, particularly commercial entities, that they must have direct engagement and consultation with our First Nation before and above any other agency. We, the Webequie First Nation people, are the primary contact and exclusive decision-makers for our community, not any third party or external organization.”

Webequie First Nation is one of the two northern First Nations that will be most directly impacted by the potential mining developments for the Ring of Fire area. Webequie First Nation is a member community of the Matawa First Nations Management Tribal Council, which was created to serve First Nations.

In recent weeks, the Matawa First Nations Management Tribal Council has been promoting a stop order on development in the Ring of Fire and lobbying for a Joint Panel Review Environmental Assessment on behalf of all the regional Matawa First Nations. Webequie First Nation supports regional First Nations’ concerns over the current Environmental Assessment process but notes that the Matawa Tribal Council or any other third party, is not a decision-making authority or community voice for Webequie First Nation.

Continues Wabasse; “Matawa First Nations Tribal Council provides our First Nations with important support services but it must be clearly understood that its staff do not represent our First Nation membership on community issues. Industry and government are required to engage directly with our First Nation and it is the Webequie Council through quorum who can legally commit Webequie First Nation to any type of process or agreement that affects its membership.”

In addition to establishing Webequie First Nation’s position on the Matawa Tribal Council, the Community Position Paper also provides important community information on Industry and Government Protocol, Regional Infrastructure as well as the Discovery Area.

“The purpose of publicly releasing these documents is to help guide industry, government and any other commercial interests through the process of doing business or working collaboratively with our First Nation.

“We want to demonstrate that there are meaningful paths forward to building positive and mutually beneficial working relationships. We believe that education and awareness are the best way to build understanding and reciprocal respect.”

Webequie First Nation has built tremendous community capacity over the past three years to become investment-ready and prepare to take advantage of emerging socio-economic benefits in the Ring of Fire. This capacity includes the establishment of a community-based Webequie Ring of Fire team. Copies of both the Community Position Paper and Consultation and Accommodation Protocol are available upon request through the Webequie First Nation Ring of Fire Office.

Webequie First Nation is a growing Ojibway community located 540 km north of the city of Thunder Bay. Webequie First Nation is the closest community to the discovery areas in the Ring of Fire and it has over 700+ community members, many of which are actively enjoying their traditional cultural practices and harvesting activities.

Diavik begins wind farm construction at mine site

After several years of studying renewable energy resources, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is pleased to announce the start of construction of a wind farm at our mine site.

With investment from our joint venture partners, Rio Tinto and Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, approved earlier this year, and much planning completed, we have now advanced the Diavik wind farm to initial construction. Four 2.3 megawatt turbines will be constructed providing a capacity of 9.2 megawatts.

Diavik currently, relies on diesel fuel for all our energy needs. The wind farm will reduce our diesel use by approximately four million litres, about ten per cent of our total diesel consumption. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by approximately 12,000 tonnes, or six per cent of total emissions. By diversifying our energy mix at our mine we will offset some of the risks associated with reliance on diesel.

“The benefits of the initiative are numerous and will be realized for many years to come. Diversifying our energy portfolio reduces our greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on diesel fuel,” said Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Acting President and Chief Operating officer Alasdair Martin.

“We are optimistic that the innovations, experience, and knowledge gained from our wind farm will be able to be shared with others in the North,” he added.

Under the current plan, construction and commissioning of Diavik’s wind farm, located on East Island at Lac de Gras, is expected to be completed next year. Once operational, it will be the first large-scale wind farm in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 kms northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.