Gahcho Kué, the world’s largest new diamond mine in the last 13 years, officially began commercial production on March 2. The mine, a joint venture with De Beers Group (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%), is expected to produce approximately 54 million carats of rough diamonds over its lifetime.
Production ramp up began on August 1 and the official opening ceremony took place on September 20.
“Today marks a significant landmark for De Beers in Canada as Gahcho Kué becomes an important contributor to the group’s global production,” said Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group. “That the mine has reached this landmark, on budget and ahead of schedule, is testament to the partnerships that have worked together since construction began.”
The mine is projected to add more than C$5 billion to the economy of the Northwest Territories over its lifetime, Cleaver added.
Patrick Evans, president and CEO of Mountain Province Diamonds, added, “The dedicated support of our shareholders, business partners and employees has made today’s important achievement possible. Gahcho Kué is a rich diamond deposit that secures Canada’s position as one of the world’s leading diamond producers.”
The fly-in/fly-out remote mine site is approximately 280 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Comprising three open pits, the mine will employ 530 people full time.
