Diavik traditional knowledge panel

Diavik diamond mine is located on Lac de Gras in Canada’s Northwest Territories, 300km north-east of Yellowknife and 220km south of the Arctic Circle. Production started in 2003 and the end of the economic life-of-mine is estimated to be 2025.

Diavik has engaged a traditional knowledge panel of elders and youth from its Aboriginal partner groups to provide guidance on key planning initiatives. These are wide ranging and include, for example, successful re-integration of the pit dam with the rest of Lac de Gras, the adjoining lake; post-mining monitoring and performance; and identifying areas requiring revegetation support and those capable of recolonising naturally.

This relationship enables the Diavik closure team to combine Western science with traditional knowledge in closure planning, as well as post-closure monitoring.

The mine is owned by Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. (60%), a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc, and Dominion Diamond Diavik Limited Partnership (40%), an unincorporated joint venture. Diavik Diamond Mines (2012) Inc. operates the mine, which is part of Rio Tinto’s Copper and Diamonds product group.