Two national safety awards for De Beers Canada

De Beers Canada was pleased to accept two prestigious national safety awards at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) annua

De Beers Canada was pleased to accept two prestigious national safety awards at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) annual convention awards gala. — Photo courtesy De Beers Canada Corporation

CALGARY, May 2, 2017 /CNW/ - De Beers Canada was pleased to accept two prestigious national safety awards at the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) annual convention awards gala on Monday, May 1, 2017.

De Beers Victor Mine received its second consecutive national John T. Ryan Award in the select mines category for having the lowest accident frequency rate during 2016. Gahcho Kué Mine received the 2017 Hatch-CIM Mining & Metals Project Development Safety Award, in recognition of its outstanding safety systems, culture and performance during the project phase.

"To have our teams recognized at this level for their demonstrated commitment to Zero Harm is an outstanding achievement that reflects the collective contributions of all employees across De Beers Canada," said Kim Truter, Chief Executive Officer of De Beers Canada. "I want to congratulate all employees at Victor and Gahcho Kué for their outstanding safety performance and for helping establish De Beers Canada as a global mining safety leader."

The Gahcho Kué Mine in the Northwest Territories is a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51%), the Operator, and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%). This is the fourth major award for Gahcho Kué in the past year: 2017 Viola R. MacMillan Award from the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) in March 2017; Gold at the 11th Annual Project Management Institute's awards gala in October 2016; and, Workplace Health and Safety Award from the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce in November 20167.

De Beers Canada is a 100% owner and operator of the Victor Mine in northern Ontario, the Mining Magazine 2009 International Mine of the Year, the 2015 and now 2016 National John T. Ryan Award Winner for Mine Safety.

De Beers Canada is also a 100% owner of the Snap Lake Mine in the Northwest Territories, which is currently in care and maintenance.

De Beers is a member of the Anglo American plc group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world's leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people 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 'Building Forever' 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.