Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 24/99) - The comprehensive study of the Diavik Diamond project entered into an important new phase this week in Yellowknife.

More than 80 scientists, project stakeholders, numerous government officials, First Nations, Metis, environmentalists and ordinary citizens were on hand Monday and Tuesday at the Explorer Hotel as the project's public technical review sessions got under way.

Facilitated by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, the sessions began with a summary of the status of outstanding water and fish technical issues surrounding the creation of Canada's second diamond mine at Lac de Gras, about 300 kilometres northeast of the city.

"We really want to know these things before we start talking (environmental) trade offs," Deninn Ku'e First Nation Councillor Patrick Simon said in a presentation. "A lot of us need time to take things in. We've come of age here."

Simon praised the process, which has cost Diavik about $12 to $14 million since it got started in 1994.

"It's probably unique in the sense it is one of the more comprehensive processes," he said. "It has everyone at the table."

Mike Vadyk, from the NWT Chamber of Mines, told the session that the NWT needs employment. Without a project like Diavik, he said, people need to truly consider the ramifications on employment if the mine -- which is expected to employ about 400 people -- doesn't get the necessary approvals.

Officials from both DIAND and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans reported on the expected impacts of the mine on Lac de Gras during these first two days of a 10-day public session. They raised various concerns and issues about water quality, effects on the fish habitat and the rise of various nutrients and other contaminants because of the mine's creation and operation.

Diavik's vice-president of environmental affairs, Murray Swyripa, said he was pleased with the gathering so far.

"We've been at this for awhile now," he said. "In general I'd say that 99 per cent of the issues are not new....

"One of the things that has to be done is separating which is required for an environmental assessment decision as opposed to what is a regulatory decision."

When this portion of the study is complete, a report will be prepared and then forwarded to federal Environment Minister Christine Stewart for study and a ruling.

This part of the process concerns Kevin O'Reilly, research director of the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee.

"I'm not convinced there is going to be adequate time and information available to get to the bottom of these issues," he said.

Members of the public will have 30 days to review the final study once it is released. The study is expected to go out for public comment some time in May according to recent DIAND timelines.

Stewart is expected to make her final decision known in June.

The Yellowknife public technical sessions continue today at the Explorer at 9 a.m.