Diavik spent $146.7 million on northern business in 2012

Diavik Diamond Mine touted the out-sized impact it has on the local economy in its 2012 mid-year socioeconomic report:

• Training: At mid year, Diavik and its contractors employed 36 apprentices; all northern and 21 who are Aboriginal. Over the past two years, we have doubled the number of Diavik apprentices. Since 2003, 32 Diavik apprentices have successfully achieved journeyperson certifications.
• Employment: At June 30, the Diavik operations workforce averaged 1165 people. Of these, 642 (55 per cent) were priority hire Aboriginal and nonAboriginal northern workers.
• Business: During first half 2012, Diavik’s combined capital and operating expenditures were CDN $237.6 million. Of this, $146.7 million (62 per cent) was with northern business. Of the northern expenditures, $61.7 million was with Aboriginal business. Northern cumulative spending is $3.8 billion, of which $2.1 billion is with Aboriginal businesses and their joint ventures.
• Benefits to local communities: During the first six months of the year, Diavik’s employee donations committee supported over 40 local initiatives with funding of approximately $125,000.

Read the full news release here.

Diavik Diamond Mine is located 300km northeast of Yellowknife. It is a joint venture between Rio Tinto subsidiary, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., (60%) and Harry Winston Diamond Limited Partnership (40%).