Diavik inks deal with natives

Diavik Diamond Mines has signed a co-operation accord with the four chiefs of the Dogrib Nation in Yellowknife, N.W.T.

Diavik is proposing to develop a diamond mine with its partner, Aber Resources, at Lac de Gras, 320 km northeast of Yellowknife. Subject to environmental approval, the mine could open by 2001.

The agreement is considered an affirmation that the two parties will work together as the mine project progresses, and it will facilitate the formal assessment of the project by Dogrib representatives.

“The co-operation agreement is one way for us to show our commitment to building a mutually respectful and beneficial relationship that we intend to maintain throughout the development and mining phase of our project, and even beyond,” says Diavik President Rod Davey.

Adds Dogrib Grand Chief Joe Rabesca: “We are happy to have signed this co-operation agreement with Diavik, and to start this partnership well ahead of the actual development.”