Diavik Mine signs economic agreement with North Slave Métis Alliance

The march towards the closure of the Diavik Diamond Mine is one step closer.

On December 5^th, the leadership of Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine met with the North Slave Métis Alliance to sign an agreement which will help to provide employment, training and business opportunities to the Alliance to help members navigate through economic impacts that will come from the mine’s closure. This will include funding for scholarships and other cultural programs.

The Diavik Mine has had a close relationship with the Alliance for many years, ever since they signed a Participation Agreements in 2000.

Diavik’s Chief Operating Officer Matthew Breen said: “We are proud to stand with the North Slave Métis Alliance as we approach our upcoming closure. The Alliance presented us with a clear plan for their future after Diavik, and we are pleased to support their vision through this agreement. We are grateful for their partnership and their contributions through the life of Diavik and into closure.”

To help with their business expansion after the mine closes, the Alliance will inherit Diavik’s copper wire recycling project, and will also receive financial support for the construction of the François Beaulieu II Economic Development Facility in Yellowknife.

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Alliance President Marc Whitford expressed his excitement for the agreement, and the economic opportunities that will come from it.

“At the same time, we are building real business capacity for the community with the construction of the Development Facility,” he said. “This is more than just an agreement — it’s about creating a lasting legacy.

“With diamond mine closures and uncertainty in the resource sector, we are building new industries that reflect our values and will secure long-term opportunities for Métis families.”

The mine is expected to reach an end of production sometime next year, and will be fully closed in 2029.