Maria Canton
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 28/99) - As Diavik awaits the results of its recently completed environmental assessment, Aboriginal and environmental groups are putting pressure on the federal government to conduct further studies before granting the diamond mine any operating licences.

Last week saw the end of the public's 30-day opportunity to review Diavik's complex comprehensive study report on the environmental impacts the mine will have on the Lac de Gras site, the land, water and Northern people.

A group of scientists, formed by the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, who analyzed the voluminous report and the North Slave Metis Alliance, who prepared their own 300-page report, agree that an effective review couldn't be done in 30 days.

"We're a group of technical experts and we had a difficult time getting through it," said University of Alberta ecology professor David Schindler last week.

Diavik, however, feels that its comprehensive study has been the most thorough ever done in the territories.

"From the very beginning we've had a very open, honest and transparent process, encouraging anyone with any interest to get involved," said Doug Willy, Diavik's vice-president of community and government affairs.

"Diavik is happy with what has gone on so far and we're waiting for the outcome of the review."

Although confident the comprehensive study process will work, Diavik does not deny the possibility of the environmental review being pushed to a level-three assessment -- like the one that neighbouring BHP underwent.

"That has always been a possibility since day one of the project," said Willy. "But for now we will continue on with business with different Aboriginal groups and businesses."

If a level-three assessment was to proceed, a public review panel or mediation process is initiated by Environment Minister Christine Stewart at the request of DIAND Minister Jane Stewart.

The process would be co-ordinated with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, technically leaving DIAND free to be an advocate for whomever it chooses.

"With DIAND not conducting the review, there is less of a chance of a conflict of interest by a department that simultaneously promotes development and regulates it," said Peter Atamanenko of Enviro Watch.

Environment Minister Christine Stewart should be making a decision on the assessment, which will be made public within the next couple of weeks.

Part of Diavik's desire to wrap up the environmental phase is due in part to the importance of being on the Lupin ice road by January 2000 -- allowing the company to begin mobilization for construction.

The road is a vital link to the site and only a two-month window of opportunity, from mid January to early March, exists to use it each season.

As of right now, Diavik has plans to move ahead with the tendering processes within the next two months on items such as permanent camp foundations, bulk-fuel tanks, navigation aids and an airstrip.

"Our target dates are exactly those of the federal government," says Willy.

"We'll be going ahead with the issuing of some of the tenders in the next month or two. We are confident the process will work."