Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 08/99) - The warring over the environmental review of Canada's second diamond mine is over, for now.

Last Wednesday, federal Environment Minister David Anderson ruled the proposed Diavik diamond mine is unlikely to cause significant harm to the environment.

To proceed the project still has to receive additional permits, including a water licence, but the environmental assessment is considered the toughest test to pass.

Prior to the decision, some aboriginal groups called for a panel review, saying the government-run review of the mine was inadequate.

Chief of the Lutsel K'e Dene, Felix Lockhart, said he was "exasperated" by Anderson's decision.

"By ignoring the concerns expressed by ourselves and the Dogrib Treaty 11 nation, the government of Canada has shown a lack of responsibility and foresight in its decision about development in our traditional territory," said Lockhart in a news release issued the day after the announcement.

Those concerns, noted the press release, include monitoring of the combined environmental effects of mining development in the area.

The Dene Nation had a similar reaction. National Chief Bill Erasmus said Anderson failed to address concerns aboriginal groups have with the project.

He added that the time it would take for a panel review would be time well used.

"It would give us a year, maybe two years, to study it more thoroughly and gives us time to sort out resource royalty sharing."

Erasmus acknowledged Anderson called for an organization to be formed to monitor cumulative effects, but noted that while the minister said that development "would" include Diavik it "should" include aboriginal groups.

The Dogrib Treaty 11 Tribal Council have been one of the most ardent critics of the review, but on Thursday spokesperson Ted Blondin said the Dogribs have accepted the decision but will be working to address concerns about the project during the regulatory phase and impacts and benefits agreement negotiations.

"The only other way to go about it is to go to court, and that's a last resort. We want to explore the different ways we can solve our concerns," Blondin said.

The Canadian Arctic Resources Committee, which also wanted an independent panel to be appointed to review the project, was far less accepting.

Research director Kevin O'Reilly said the decision showed a lack of leadership on Anderson's part and does nothing to address concerns identified by his organization, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, Lutsel K'e Dene, or Dogribs.

CARC, he said, has not ruled out asking for a judicial review of the decision. Lockhart said the Lutsel K'e Dene are considering their next move in consultation with their aboriginal neighbours.

The project will now proceed to the regulatory phase, which includes assessment of its application for a water licence and lease for the property.

Water board hearings are scheduled for Dec. 13-14 in Yellowknife.