After many years of operation, the Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories is embarking on a new phase focused on remediation. Located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, the mine, under the ownership of Rio Tinto, has produced over 150 million carats of diamonds. On Tuesday, the mine permanently ceased operations, where hundreds of individuals, including Sean Sinclair from Ontario, have been employed. Sinclair, who has resided in the territory for over ten years, started working at Diavik while pursuing his master’s degree and now holds the position of closure manager at the mine.
Sinclair’s story is not unique at Diavik, as he also met his spouse at the mine, both expressing their fondness for Yellowknife and their desire to remain in the region. Similarly, Mike Lowing, serving as the principal adviser for health, safety, and environment, has been a resident of Yellowknife since 1974. Despite the challenges posed by the closure of diamond mines, Lowing sees a promising future for Yellowknife, emphasizing the importance of major projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson hydro expansion, supported by a recent $35-billion investment plan announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The closure of Diavik will impact various communities across the territory, but individuals like Lowing are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in projects that prioritize Northern workforce participation. While the closure of the mine signifies an end to that chapter, Alex Clinton, a senior adviser at Diavik, believes that mining activities in the region should continue, with a focus on gold mining due to the increasing demand for the precious metal. Yellowknife’s rich history in gold mining is being revitalized, exemplified by the reopening of Mon Mine, which is set to resume operations after nearly three decades of dormancy.
As the price of gold reaches record highs, Clinton anticipates a resurgence in the market, signaling potential for growth in the mining sector. With personal ties to the Northwest Territories, Clinton envisions a future where his children can also find opportunities within the industry he has dedicated his life to.