Canada Sightholders

De Beers has been exploring for diamonds in Canada for nearly 50 years. What started as a small group of field geologists is now a company employing almost 1000 people across the country. We now have two mines in production, an advanced exploration project underway, and numerous exploration programs that are focused in northern Ontario and the high arctic. The Snap Lake Mine, located approximately 220 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories (NWT) is De Beers’ first diamond mine outside of Africa. During operations, Snap Lake will require 417 De Beers’ employees, plus 150 contractors, with 250 people working in shifts on site at any given time. The mine is estimated to produce 1.4 millions carats a year.

Simon O'Brien, Manager of Diamond Liaison, Canada

The Gahcho Kué Project, located 50 kilometres southeast of the Snap Lake Mine, is in the advanced exploration stage. Eight diamondiferous kimberlite occurrences compromising of pipes, dykes and sills have been discovered. Several evaluation drilling programmes indicate that there is potential to mine at the Gahcho Kué site.

Over 1,200 kilometres to the southeast is the Victor Mine. Victor is Ontario’s first diamond mine, and De Beers’ second mine in Canada. During production, the Victor Mine will require 375 full-time employees, or just under 200 employees on site during any given shift. Once in full production, the Victor Mine is expected to produce 600,000 carats per year.

It is estimated that Canada currently produces $1.5 billion worth of rough diamonds each year. De Beers Canada is committed to developing the Canadian diamond industry and is optimistic about the country’s potential to be a significant producer for years to come.