7 November 2016
(Yellowknife, NT – November 7, 2016) Almost 25 years ago to the day, on November 6, 1991 a small, relatively unknown exploration company – Dia Met Minerals – issued a short news release stating that they had discovered diamonds northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. News of their find spread, launching the largest conventional – “claim post in the ground” – staking rush that Canada and perhaps the world had ever seen.
The resulting exploration investment in the Slave Geological Province led to four major NWT discoveries between 1991 and 1997 that resulted in all four of the NWT diamond mines, Ekati, Diavik, Snap Lake and Gahcho Kué.
The socio-economic benefits resulting from exploration, construction and operations of those mines have been game changing for the North’s economy, particularly for Aboriginal residents, businesses and governments. The benefits have affected not only the NWT, but also Nunavut and many provinces in Canada.
Diamond mining is an industry worth celebrating!
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the discovery of diamonds in the NWT, the Chamber of Mines is spearheading a Diamond Gala on November 17 in Yellowknife. Attending will be special guest speaker Charles (Chuck) Fipke, co-discoverer of the diamond deposits that became the Ekati Mine, and the Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories.
Mine discoverers, the diamond mines, and Aboriginal governments will be recognized and the general public has been invited to participate in the celebration. Each of the three mine operators, Dominion Diamond Corp., Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. and De Beers are donating polished diamonds for door prizes.
The event promises to be a sold out affair.