The Diavik Diamond Mine is being recognized for its innovation. They won three awards for their rockfill dikes which allow safe access to underwater deposits
The most recent of the three rockfill dikes was constructed to protect Diavik’s newest diamond pipe, known as A21. The 2.2-kilometre embankment took 3 million tonnes of rock to build and goes as deep as 30 metres.
The Diavik Diamond Mine won the Northwest Territories Mining and Exploration (MAX) Special Achievement Award for the design, construction and operations of its three dikes and for its help as joint venture partner to the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Ice Road
This award which is a partnership between the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the GNWT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is given out to recognise major contributions to the Northwest Territories’ minerals industry which is the biggest contributor to the economy in the area. Diavik Diamond Mines president and chief operating officer Patrick Boitumelo is very happy that all the hard work everyone in the mine has been doing is being recognized
“We are delighted and honoured to receive this award, which is a testament to the pioneering spirit of everyone at Diavik.”
A Special Achievement award was also given out to The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Ice Road. The seasonal highway has been very important as a supply route for the three operating diamond mines in the Northwest Territories. Joint Venture director of winter road operations Ron Near said they are honoured to be selected by the committee.
“This award is a testament to the collaborative work done between the three joint venture partners. Operating in such remote areas with challenging technical constraints brings the best out of respective teams, we look forward to another successful Winter Road season in 2019.”
The Diavik Diamond Mine is located about 300 kms northeast of Yellowknife. The operation began production in 2003 and it produces gem quality diamonds which later becomes high-end jewellery that gets sold all around the world.
