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RAPAPORT... De Beers Canada Inc. and Mountain Province Diamonds, joint partners in the Gahcho Kué diamond project, entered into an impact benefit agreement with the Tlicho Government, the body representing First Nations people of the Northwest Territories of Canada. The agreement has been in the works for the past few months and it creates a framework for De Beers and the Tlicho Government to work together over the life of the mine, enabling participation by the Tlicho people in the opportunities that the mine provides. "The Gahcho Kué Project is located within Mǫwhì Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tłèè, an area which the Tlichǫ have traditionally used and occupied, and the protection of the land, water, wildlife and our way of life has guided our negotiating team," said Grand Chief Eddie Erasmus. "This agreement confirms our relationship with De Beers, so that we will work together over the life of the mine to ensure there are many training, employment and business opportunities from the project for Tlichǫ citizens. It also includes financial provisions that enable the Tlicho Government to participate in the opportunities that the project provides." Glen Koropchuk, the chief operating officer for De Beers Canada, said, "Our relationship with Tlicho is important to us. This impact benefit agreement builds on the relationship we have already established for the Snap Lake mine and confirms our commitment to work together for the benefit of the Tlicho people with the Gahcho Kué project. I would like to congratulate both negotiating teams on this important accomplishment." De Beers and Mountain Province expect that Gahcho Kué will employ close to 700 people during the two years of construction and about 400 people during its operational phase. It is anticipated that the Gahcho Kué mine will operate for approximately 11 years and will produce an estimated 49 million carats.
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