Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Sable pipe could extend Ekati Mine to 2033

Dominion Diamond Corp. Sept. 10 released the results of a preliminary economic assessment for the Sable kimberlite pipe deposit located within the core zone of the Ekati diamond property in Northwest Territories, in which the company holds an 88.9 percent interest. The PEA envisions the recovery of 9 million carats of diamonds from 12.1 million tons of kimberlite over 10 years. This production, along with Jay, would supply ore to the existing Ekati process plant at its full capacity until 2033. The PEA identified a number of synergies with developing the Sable pipe concurrently with Jay that includes the sharing of haul trucks and other equipment during development and operations. Combining Sable with Jay would also provide increased mine planning and processing flexibility. The Sable pipe is located beneath Sable Lake, 17 kilometers (11 miles) north-northwest of the existing Ekati mine infrastructure. The Sable project will require construction of an access road, site infrastructure and a sedimentation pond allowing Sable Lake to be dewatered ahead of the start of pre-stripping operations. Dominion Diamonds said Sable would provide an additional high-value ore source for the Ekati mine, allowing for optimal mine sequencing and operational flexibility to maximize the value of the Ekati operation. The company’s timetable for the development of Sable is based on the estimated start of construction in the first half of 2016 and processing of kimberlite by 2019.

–Shane Lasley