Yellowknife (Mar 08/06) - Strong relationships with your suppliers are key to success in any field and BHP Billiton took time out last week to celebrate those it has enjoyed at Ekati.

The March 2 appreciation night honoured key suppliers who work in conjunction with BHP at its NWT diamond mine. The appreciation night also gives a special thanks to regulatory and government agencies involved.

"We keep learning and improving from our relationships with our suppliers," said Sean Brennan, president and chief executive officer of BHP Billiton Diamonds. "Tonight is a way to say thank you."

Brennan was at the event to speak with the more than 250 suppliers and agencies - each of whom were presented with a commemorative plaque - he said helped make BHP one of Canada's top 100 employers.

"We look for a particular type of partnership," he said. "Our suppliers need to be safe, professional, caring and capable."

Polar Explosives and Supplies and Finning Canada were presented with special recognition awards during the festivities. Polar Explosives has been working with BHP Diamonds since its inception, said chief executive officer David Mairs.

"A lot of hard work goes into building a quality, equal relationship like the one we have with BHP," he said.

"It's nice for us to get some recognition."

Finning Canada has provided mechanics for vehicle maintenance at the Ekati mine since 1999.

"Since we began working with BHP, we've always worked for the best outcome for both companies," said Ron Drewry, Finning Canada's NWT manager. "It's been a win-win situation."

Finning's labour costs at the mine average about $30 million a year, an investment Drewry said requires a strong relationship between the two firms.

"Finning has much support for our mining customers," he said. "We're in this for the long-term."

A special award was also presented to 51 per cent Inuit-owned Nuna Logistics for its success managing environmental responsibilities at the Ekati diamond mine.