De Beers has provided an opportunity for Tłı̨chǫ Government members to view operations first-hand at the Gahcho Kue mine site.  A group of Elders, adults and youth from the Tłı̨chǫ Region attended along with staff from the Department of Culture and Lands Protection.  This site visit is part of the annual cycle of engagement with Indigenous groups in the area.

De Beers had provided an update on:

• Mine operations:
  • Date of constructions, operations, closure to completion
  • 3-open pits (5034, Hearne and Tuzo)
  • 2 Mine rock piles
    • 1 coarse PK pile
    • 1 fine PK pile
  • Kennady Lake partially de-watered to access the kimberlite
• Environment
  • Air Quality, Water Quality and Wildlife

The participants were taken out on a mine site tour and viewed the 5034 open pit, proposed pits and the fine PKC facility. This tour provided the opportunity for our participants to ask questions of the operational and environmental staff.  This also provided De Beers the opportunity to gain input on ongoing and planned activities.  De Beers provided an update on general construction activities, environmental performance and management of the mine as well as key issues of importance to communities. 

This was an exciting opportunity for the participants to visit the site, they had a lots of interest in the environment, wildlife and restorations of the mine.  The elders shared their knowledge and importance of landscape, vegetation and wildlife; the youth asked questions about opportunities for young people at the mine and expressed their concerns about the environment (water, land and air), wildlife and the plans for clean up when mining is complete. This site tour was a day trip to the mine on August 15, 2017.

For more information, please contact: 
Joline Huskey
Lands Regulator
Department of Culture and Lands Protection
Tłı̨chǫ Ndek'àowo / Tłı̨chǫ Government
Box 412, Behchokǫ̀, NT  X0E 0Y0
Phone:  867-392-6381 Ext 1358