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RAPAPORT... De Beers Canada Inc. and Mountain Province Diamonds Inc., partners on the Gahcho Kué diamond mine in Canada, entered into an impact benefit agreement with the Northwest Territories (NWT) Metis Nation, putting in place a framework to develop economic, environmental and cultural programs for regional residents.
"De Beers is committed to sustainable development and through this agreement the NWT Metis Nation, members can access new employment, training and business opportunities while ensuring strong environmental and cultural programs," said Glen Koropchuk, the chief operating officer for De Beers in Canada. "We want to thank the negotiating teams on both sides for their hard work in concluding the benefit agreement." Garry Bailey, the president of the NWT Metis Nation, said, "De Beers Canada has earned the respect of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation and enhanced its social license by entering into this impact benefit agreement, which will provide socio-economic benefits; including employment, training and business opportunities for our indigenous Metis members on an equitable basis as other aboriginal parties."
De Beers is the operator of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine and holds a 51 percent stake in the project, while Mountain Province Diamonds owns a 49 percent share. The mine is expected to employ close to 700 people during the two years of construction and approximately 400 people during its operational phase.
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