Canadian diamond conglomerate De Beers' Gahcho Kué diamond project in the Northwest Territories is at peril as three aboriginal groups in the territories are lobbying the federal government not to approve the project.
Although the mine, a joint venture Mountain Province Diamond has secured environmental review earlier in July 2013, the Lutsel K’e Dene, the Yellowknives Dene, and the Tlicho government have raised questions against the company’s plans to reduce impact on environment.
The diamond mine is situated almost 300km east of Yellowknife and southeast of the existing Snap Lake diamond project.
De Beers and Mountain Province Diamonds have proposed to drain the southern part of Kennady Lake so as to mine diamonds from the project.
The objecting groups claim that the review does not address the concerns regarding quality of the water quality, caribou, and the future of Kennady Lake after it’s drained for mining.
The aboriginal groups are urging the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Ministry to further review the Gahcho Kué diamond project.