The De Beers Group has announced it won’t be extending the life of its Victor diamond mine, west of Attawapiskat.
The company says mining and production activities will end early in 2019, once the current open pit is depleted and in line with the original feasibility study and current mine plan.
The demolition and environmental monitoring phase is expected to last 3 to 5 years and De Beers says it will be working closely with community partners and those working at the mine to find new employment during the shut-down.
The Victor diamond mine currently has 350 De Beers employees plus another 150 contractors.
Chief Executive Officer Kim Truter says they just couldn’t get the economics to work, but stresses they will maintain their commitment to leave a positive legacy.
Production at the mine started in July 2008 and has already exceeded expectations to produce at least six million carats during its life.
(Photo and Video Credit: De Beers Group of Companies)
https://public.boxcloud.com/api/2.0/internal_files/242798954991/versions…
