Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Gahcho Kué Mine achieves glittering safety milestone

Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. June 20 reported mechanical completion of the primary crusher at Gahcho Kué and that commissioning of the process plant at the Northwest Territories diamond mine continues to progress well. Gahcho Kué – a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51 percent) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49 percent) – expects to begin production sometime during the third quarter. Mountain Province President and CEO Patrick Evans said, “We are pleased with the continuing excellent progress at Gahcho Kué and excited that first production will commence within the next few months. Key areas of focus are finalization of commissioning of the process plant, remaining earthworks, pre-stripping and mining of kimberlite, as well as preparations for operational readiness.” Gahcho Kué’s safety performance remains very good. In May, the employees at Gahcho Kué surpassed an impressive 1 million hours worked without a lost-time injury. The permanent staff complement of the mine now stands at 290, including 91 experienced employees transferred from the De Beers Snap Lake diamond mine.

-Shane Lasley