Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine: Difference between revisions
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In 1993, [[Canamera Geological]] began sampling and surveying the area for Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture (now [[Mountain Province Diamonds]]). Exploration began in the area with a camp being set up in 1995. In 1997, Monopros, now [[De Beers|De Beers Canada]], took over the camp when they joined the Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture. In 1998 De Beers began sampling the [[kimberlite]] to evaluate the four Gahcho Kué pipes. More drilling followed and the positive results led to the decision to proceed.<ref name="prodes"/> |
In 1993, [[Canamera Geological]] began sampling and surveying the area for Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture (now [[Mountain Province Diamonds]]). Exploration began in the area with a camp being set up in 1995. In 1997, Monopros, now [[De Beers|De Beers Canada]], took over the camp when they joined the Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture. In 1998 De Beers began sampling the [[kimberlite]] to evaluate the four Gahcho Kué pipes. More drilling followed and the positive results led to the decision to proceed.<ref name="prodes"/> |
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==Project History== |
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A project study was started in 2004 followed by |
A project study was started in 2004. An evaluation program in 2006 was followed by a drilling and sampling program in 2007. In September 2009 a feasibility study on a proposed mine was begun, which is anticipated to be completed towards the end of 2010.<ref>[http://www.debeerscanada.com/files_3/gahcho-kue.php "About Gahcho Kue"], De Beers Canada website.</ref><ref name="facts">[http://www.debeerscanada.com/files_2/pdf_documents/gahcho-factsheet-102604.pdf Gahcho Kué factsheet]</ref> If it proceeds to a operating mine, is expected to mine {{convert|20000000|t|lk=on}}, out of {{convert|31000000|t|abbr=on}}, and to produce {{convert|3000000|-|4000000|carat|kg|lk=in}} per year over a 15 year life.<ref name="facts"/> |
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In 2005, the [[Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board]], after an initial environmental assessment, ruled that De Beers applications for a land use permit and water license would require a full Environment Impact Review. De Beers appealed this decision to the NWT Supreme Court, but was denied in April 2007, and the review process began in 2007. Due to economic factors, De Beers has delayed filing the required Environment Impact Statement to the review board; the review process was suspended in May 2010 pending the De Beers submission, which it has now indicated should be after their Feasibility Study was completed. |
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Gahcho Kué, which has a proposed start date of 2012, is expected to mine {{convert|20000000|t|lk=on}}, out of {{convert|31000000|t|abbr=on}}, and to produce {{convert|3000000|-|4000000|carat|kg|lk=in}} per year over its 15 year life.<ref name="facts"/> |
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==Traditional use== |
==Traditional use== |
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Revision as of 01:38, 21 August 2010
The Gahcho Kué Diamond Project is located on the Canadian tundra in the Northwest Territories. It is situated at Kennady Lake (63°26′04″N 109°11′10″W / 63.43444°N 109.18611°W), in the Akaitcho Treaty 8 Territory AK[1] claim block, which is 85 km (53 mi) southeast of the Snap Lake Diamond Mine Project and approximately 280 km (170 mi) east northeast of Yellowknife.[1] The site is served by an ice runwway, Gahcho Kue Aerodrome, and a spur of the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road from Lupin Mine.[1] the main camp is at 63°26′05″N 109°12′02″W / 63.43472°N 109.20056°W, north of the ice strip, with a smaller site at 63°25′48″N 109°12′00″W / 63.43000°N 109.20000°W, south of the runway.[1]
Background
The Gahcho Kué Diamond Project is a 49% / 51% joint-venture between Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. and De Beers Canada Inc.[2] [3]
Mountain Province claims 49% and De Beers claims 51%.[3][4]
The project consists of the Gahcho Kué kimberlite pipes, which lie underneath Kennady Lake. There are also several unexplored kimberlite occurrences scattered over several kilometers.[2] [3]
History
In 1993, Canamera Geological began sampling and surveying the area for Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture (now Mountain Province Diamonds). Exploration began in the area with a camp being set up in 1995. In 1997, Monopros, now De Beers Canada, took over the camp when they joined the Mountain Province Mining Joint Venture. In 1998 De Beers began sampling the kimberlite to evaluate the four Gahcho Kué pipes. More drilling followed and the positive results led to the decision to proceed.[1]
Project History
A project study was started in 2004. An evaluation program in 2006 was followed by a drilling and sampling program in 2007. In September 2009 a feasibility study on a proposed mine was begun, which is anticipated to be completed towards the end of 2010.[5][4] If it proceeds to a operating mine, is expected to mine 20,000,000 tonnes (20,000,000 long tons; 22,000,000 short tons), out of 31,000,000 t (31,000,000 long tons; 34,000,000 short tons), and to produce 3,000,000–4,000,000 carats (600–800 kg) per year over a 15 year life.[4]
In 2005, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, after an initial environmental assessment, ruled that De Beers applications for a land use permit and water license would require a full Environment Impact Review. De Beers appealed this decision to the NWT Supreme Court, but was denied in April 2007, and the review process began in 2007. Due to economic factors, De Beers has delayed filing the required Environment Impact Statement to the review board; the review process was suspended in May 2010 pending the De Beers submission, which it has now indicated should be after their Feasibility Study was completed.
Traditional use
Gahcho Kué is the traditional Chipewyan, a Dene people, name for the Kennady Lake area and in Dene Suline means "Place of the Big Rabbit". The area, also known for Barren-ground Caribou, has been traditionally used by Dene from Lutselk'e and the Métis of Fort Resolution. In earlier times Tli Cho (Dogrib), also Dene, people used the area as well[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e Gahcho Kué Project Exploration Camp Project Description
- ^ a b http://www.debeerscanada.com/files_2/pdf_documents/gahcho-factsheet-102604.pdf
- ^ a b c Mountain Province Diamonds
- ^ a b c Gahcho Kué factsheet
- ^ "About Gahcho Kue", De Beers Canada website.
- ^ De Beers EA - Final Submission to Public Registry