N.W.T. diamond mine shuts down as workers plan to stay in the North

The Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories has permanently ceased operations and moved into closure and remediation; dozens of workers and long-time residents told the article they intend to remain in Yellowknife. The report also notes a federal investment announcement that includes backing for the Mackenzie Valley Highway, with work said to begin as early as this summer.

The Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories has closed and is entering a closure and remediation phase. The mine operated for decades and, according to the owner Rio Tinto as cited in the article, produced more than 150 million carats of diamonds. Hundreds of people worked at Diavik over the years, and the site once employed over 1,000 people at peak. Several workers and long-time residents interviewed said they plan to remain in Yellowknife or pursue work on other Northern projects. What officials and workers said: - The article reports the Diavik mine shut down for good on Tuesday and will focus on closure and remediation activities. - Workers and advisers quoted in the story said many intend to stay in Yellowknife or the territory despite the mine’s closure. Specific individuals mentioned include a closure manager and senior advisers who have lived in the North for decades. - The report says Mark Carney announced a $35-billion investment plan for the North that includes federal backing for the Mackenzie Valley Highway and other projects, and that work on the highway was said to begin as early as this summer. Summary: The closure has shifted Diavik from production to remediation and affects workers and communities across the Northwest Territories. Undetermined at this time how many workers will move into other roles, and the article reports federal infrastructure projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway are scheduled to start as early as this summer.