Impact Benefit Agreement signed for Gahcho Kué

De Beers Canada Inc. and Mountain Province Diamonds announced entering into an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with NWT Métis Nation (NWTMN) for the proposed Gahcho Kué diamond mine, a joint venture between De Beers (51 percent) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49 percent). The mine is located 280 kms northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

De Beers is the Operator of the Gahcho Kué Project.

The IBA draws out a framework for De Beers and the NWT Métis Nation, to jointly work over the life of the mine to develop economic, environmental and cultural programs with NWTMN members.

“De Beers is committed to sustainable development and through this Agreement the NWT Métis Nation members can access new employment, training and business opportunities while ensuring strong environmental and cultural programs,” said Glen Koropchuk, Chief Operating Officer for De Beers in Canada. “We want to thank the negotiating teams on both sides for their hard work in concluding the IBA.”

“De Beers Canada has earned the respect of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation and enhanced its social licence entering into this Impact Benefit Agreement, which will provide socio-economic benefits; including employment, training and business opportunities for our Indigenous Metis members on an equitable basis as other Aboriginal parties with IBAs.” said Garry Bailey, President of the Northwest Territory Metis Nation. Gahcho Kué will employ close to 700 people during the two years of construction and approximately 400 people during its operational phase.