NWT third in global diamond production volume and value

31 October 2018

 

By both volume and value of carats produced, the Northwest Territories is the world’s third largest rough diamond producer, according to 2017 statistics released by the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process, a joint governments, industry, and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds, was initiated in 2000 and unites 81 countries, including Canada.
The NWT, with its Ekati, Diavik, and Gahcho Kué diamond mines, produced nearly 21 million carats last year. This represents 90 per cent of Canada’s rough diamond production. Ontario (Victor mine) and Quebec (Renard mine) together produced 2.4 million carats last year. 

Overall, Canada is second in the world in carats produced, up from fifth in 2016, and third by value (unchanged from 2016).
Global diamond production of 151 million carats was up 19 per cent from 2016. Value, at US$14.1 billion, was up 15 per cent over the previous year. For detailed 2017 production and value statistics for all diamond producing countries, visit the Kimberley Process web site here

“The NWT is among the leaders in diamond production. Our product is mined to the highest business and environmental standards by world-class companies working in partnership with local businesses, and with our public and Indigenous governments,” said NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines President Gary Vivian. “After a decline in 2016, due to no production from closure of the Snap Lake diamond mine, production gained ground in 2017 with the addition of Gahcho Kué,” he added. 
For more information on the NWT and Nunavut mining industries, please visit the Chamber of Mines website at www.miningnorth.com or www.miningnorthworks.com or contact Tom Hoefer, Executive Director at  Tel: 867-873-5281, ext. 2, or by email: executivedirector@miningnorth.com