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RAPAPORT... De Beers Canada Inc., Mountain Province Diamonds and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation entered into an impact benefit agreement for the proposed Gahcho Kué diamond mine. De Beers is the operator of the project and holds a 51 percent stake, while Mountain Province Diamonds owns a 49 percent share.
The agreement creates a framework for De Beers and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation to work together over the life of the mine, with a particular focus on local participation in the opportunities that construction and operations will provide. In addition, it recognizes local culture and customs and establishes that training, employment and business opportunities are made available to Lutsel K’e Dene members, including financial provisions necessary for ensuring fair participation in opportunities the project will provide. "If we work together with the other First Nations, then we will be powerful,” said Chief Felix Lockhart. “This agreement ensures that we have our families out on the land, using our land. We are shaping resource development the way we want it, according to First Nations. We are going to be monitoring it.” Glen Koropchuk, the chief operating officer of De Beers Canada, said, “Responsible and sustainable development is a priority for De Beers. Our relationship with Lutsel K’e is important to us and this impact benefit agreement confirms our commitment to work together for the benefit of Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation members as we advance the Gahcho Kué Project and build a mine.” It is anticipated that Gahcho Kué will employ close to 700 people during the two years of construction and approximately 400 people during its operational phase. Gahcho Kué is located 280 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
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