The World Diamond Council is devoting the sixth article of its “Diamond Empowerment” series to the diamonds of Canada.
“Diamond Empowerment” is a series of in-depth, well-researched case studies analyzing the contribution that the diamond mining industry makes to sustainable development in the countries where it is present.
The discovery of diamonds in Canada’s Northwest Territories (NWT) in 1991 shook up the local economy and the global diamond industry. The diamond sector became a key player in the space of a few years; contributing to up to 48% of the NWT’s GDP. Three large mines have since been developed – Ekati (BHP), Diavik (Rio Tinto) and Gahcho Kué (De Beers) – with each of them requiring complex infrastructure due to the extreme permafrost conditions and the absence of permanent roads. There is only a seasonal 475-km-long ice road, open for a few weeks per year and crossing 64 frozen lakes, connecting the mines to Yellowknife. Mining in this subarctic region has necessitated rigorous impact assessments, partnerships with indigenous communities and very strict environmental commitments.
The diamond industry has generated many jobs, with indigenous people representing 20 to 30% of the workforce. The region’s businesses have obtained more than 8 billion Canadian dollars in procurement contracts, while local and indigenous governments receive income from royalties and sharing agreements. Despite a decrease in its production (16 million carats in 2023, compared with 23.2 million in 2018), Canada remains the world’s third-largest diamond producer.
The industry also has a strong social impact that can be seen in the Canadamark certification program, which is proof of ethical mining, as well as in skills development, the strengthening of infrastructures, and Natural Diamond Council’s campaigns to promote local communities. NDC shot a video clip in 2024 as part of its REAL, RARE, RESPONSIBLE global campaign, emphasizing the positive role of the natural diamond mining sector in the economic and human development of the NWT. In this clip, Lily James, NDC’s Global Ambassador, visits indigenous communities near the Gahcho Kué. NDC has also published a report entitled Diamonds of Canada.
By providing details about how the diamond mining sector works in the NWT, the new “Diamond Empowerment” article highlights a genuinely sustainable development model that is rooted in local realities and concerned about generating a positive ecosystem.
The full article is available to read HERE
Image : NDC
