22 September 2015
De Beers Canada has released the 2014 Snap Lake Mine Socio-Economic Report summarizing the company’s contribution to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the Northwest Territories.
“In 2014 our efforts were focused on optimizing the day-to-day operations through continuous improvement in safety and production performance,” said Glen Koropchuk, Chief Operating Officer for De Beers in Canada. “While Snap Lake was impacted somewhat by the lengthy forest fire situation near the mine last summer, the biggest challenge continues to be the lack of skilled workers in the NWT.”
Highlights of the 2014 Socio-Economic Report include:
• Since 2005, De Beers has invested more than $1.5 billion with NWT businesses and joint ventures to build and operate Snap Lake Mine. In 2014, alone, the NWT spend increased to $126 million, including $50 million with Aboriginal companies and joint ventures.
• Snap Lake Mine invested $1.8 million in training and other Corporate Social Investment, including support for literacy development and education, cultural activities, health programs, community development and sports.
• Aboriginal residents of the NWT provided 129 person years of employment.
• During 2014 there were a total of 15 trainees, all Aboriginal, at Snap Lake Mine, including four trades trainees, seven apprentices and four underground miner trainees.
An electronic version of the report can be downloaded from the De Beers Canada website https://www.canada.debeersgroup.com or directly here. Printed copies are being sent to government and community leaders and other stakeholders.