This week, Anglo American announced the commissioning of De Beers’ Gahcho Kué diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Gahcho Kué — the world’s largest new diamond mine — is expected to ramp up to reach full commercial production in the first quarter of 2017, producing an average of 4.5 million carats per year over its anticipated 13-year life.
“Starting the ramp up to production at Gahcho Kué — on time, on budget and in a challenging environment — is a remarkable achievement from the team,” said Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers. “The mine is an exceptional resource in terms of carat volume, value and its potential to create meaningful economic opportunity for the surrounding community.”
“Our successful development of Gahcho Kué is testament to the technical expertise of the entire project team, the sensitive approach we take toward our surroundings and the strength of the relationship with the community local to the operation,” said Mark Cutifani, chief executive of Anglo American and chairman of De Beers. “Discovering and bringing to fruition a new source of diamonds of this quality reminds us all of the rarity value of diamonds.”
Gahcho Kué, a joint venture between De Beers (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%), is located about 280 km north east of Yellowknife.
