Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 03/99) - Government wildlife officials and Diavik representatives will meet mid-March to pin down how caribou could be effected by the diamond project.

Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development officials want assurances that Diavik's mining activities, as well as any increased activity due to an accident, won't cause part of the Bathurst herd to bolt onto thin ice.

"From what we've seen, we think this is plausible," RWED caribou biologist Anne Gunn said.

During the fall season, caribou on Lac de Gras' East Island -- site of the proposed Diavik diamond mine -- are forced to wait for the ice to thicken to support safe crossing.

RWED and Diavik will meet mid-March to analyze the probability of such an occurrence, adaptive mitigation and contingencies if mitigation fails regarding the worst-case scenario.

Details of the meeting will be made part of the public registry and analyzed by mid-April so any conclusions can be reflected in the Diavik project's Comprehensive Study Report.

Gunn said Diavik baseline data shows 8,000 caribou on Lac de Gras' East Island in 1997 were prevented from crossing due to thin ice.

Losing 10,000 animals in one herd is a possibility. Quebec's George River herd lost 10,000 caribou who tried to cross a swelled river.

Diavik's Eric Madsen said the company will take the issue of caribou "very seriously." He adds that it may mean slowing production or even temporarily shutting the mine down.

"Diavik understands the importance of the issue. (It is the) biggest thing we've heard from the communities," Diavik's Murray Swyripa said.

Lutselk'e resident Archie Catholique said if information is needed on how to minimize the effects on caribou, go to elders.

"When I go out on the land, I have to rely on elders. They understand the animals."

"There are answers out there which can be used."

The public technical sessions, part of the environmental assessment process, continue today and through Friday.

Social, cultural and economic issues are on the agenda today and Thursday with the concluding session Friday.