Gahcho Kué, located in the Northwest Territories, is the world's largest new diamond mine under construction. — Photo: De Beers Group of Companies/CNW
Gahcho Kué, located in the Northwest Territories, is the world's largest new diamond mine under construction. — Photo: De Beers Group of Companies/CNW
Gahcho Kué, the world's largest new diamond mine under construction, will provide a C$6.7 billion boost to the Canadian economy according to a report published by EY for The De Beers Group of Companies.
The new mine, located in the Northwest Territories (NWT), is a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51 per cent) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49 per cent). Set to open officially later this month, it is expected to produce approximately 54 million carats of rough diamonds over its lifetime, reinforcing Canada's position as the world's third largest diamond producer by value.
Underpinned by a C$1 billion capital investment, the development of Gahcho Kué between 2006 and 2015 has already provided a C$440 million boost to the NWT economy.
However, almost 90 per cent of Gahcho Kué's economic impact will be delivered once the mine becomes fully operational. Including its downstream supply chain impacts, the mine supported more than 2,700 jobs in 2015, with employment at the site representing more than 10 per cent of employment in the NWT's extractive industries.
The report, which looks into the socio-economic impact of De Beers in Canada, also shows:
- In the last 10 years alone, De Beers has contributed more than C$7 billion to Canada's GVA2 and exports supported by its mining operations have brought C$4 billion in foreign currency into the Canadian economy.
- Across Canada, De Beers supports 11 communities, including C$55 million in support to First Nations through Impact Benefit Agreements (2006-2015).
- De Beers' investment in its Victor Mine has underpinned the C$3.7 billion in GVA that the mine has contributed to the Ontarioeconomy (2006-2015), while supporting an average of 1,360 full time equivalent jobs annually.
- The relocation of De Beers Canada's headquarters from Toronto to Calgary is expected to make a C$24 million annual contribution to Alberta's economy, while supporting almost 160 jobs annually in Alberta.
- De Beers has invested C$750 million in exploration across Canada since 1961, supporting almost 100 jobs each year on average. The company has been responsible for the discovery of more than 170 kimberlites to date.
Kim Truter, Chief Executive, De Beers Canada, said: "Diamonds are perhaps one of Canada's best kept secrets, yet, as this report shows, they contribute significantly to the economy. In the 50 years we have been in Canada, we have seen how our business can be a catalyst for delivering both economic and social value, locally, regionally and across the country.
"Gahcho Kué is an important project for us, but also for the Northwest Territories and local communities it supports. It will contribute economically through a significant annual spend that places a priority on partnering with communities, local procurement, local hiring and local social investment."
De Beers has been operating in Canada since it carried out its first exploration programme in 1961. Last year, its operating mines collectively accounted for almost a third of Canada's diamond export earnings.
De Beers is a member of the Anglo American group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world's leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people (directly and as contractors) across the diamond pipeline, and is the world's largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company's operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Living up to Diamonds by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. For further information about De Beers visit www.debeersgroup.com.
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
SOURCE De Beers Group of Companies/CNW
