The Gahcho Kué project, a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%), is located at located 280km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
De Beers Canada CEO Tony Guthrie said that the approval enables Gahcho Kué to position for the start of full construction pending the receipt of the full land use permit and water license expected in 2014.
"The construction and operational phases of Gahcho Kué will benefit the Canadian economy and local communities, creating new business and employment opportunities for residents of the Northwest Territories and continuing to build Canada’s position as a premier diamond producer."
The land use permit enables commencement of land-based site works in preparation for deliveries planned for the 2014 winter road season.
Mountain Province president and CEO Patrick Evans said, "The shareholders of Mountain Province look forward to an efficient and timely completion of the remaining regulatory process in 2014, which is necessary to ensure the optimal development of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine."
During the two years of construction, the Gahcho Kué will employ close to 700 people and up to 400 people during its operational phase.
The Gahcho Kué project is expected to mine about 31 million tons of ore containing an estimated 49 million carats1 over the life is approximately 11 years.
