Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 30/99) - Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. will next month begin tendering for a number of contracts and purchase orders, the project manager of the Diavik diamond project announced Friday.

The tenders will occur through November 1999.

The contracts and purchase orders will be for the year 2000 construction season, Diavik Diamonds Mines, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, said in a press release.

"These contracts and purchase orders are for work and supplies required for mobilization, site preparation and infrastructure establishment" at the proposed mine site at Lac de Gras.

Commencement of construction activities in 2000 is contingent upon approval and implementation of recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Study Report conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, receipt of all necessary permits and licences required for construction and investor approval.

Diavik said to encourage Northern business participation and explain details of the contract packages and tendering processes, the company will hold information sessions in various Northern communities next month.

"These sessions are intended to provide information on opportunities for Northern contractors and businesses to participate in the supply of goods and services to the project as Diavik Diamond Mines prepares to move into the construction phase next year," the company said.

"Since project inception, Diavik Diamond Mines has been committed to the creation of strong Northern business relationships. During the course of the past year, Diavik Diamond Mines has established a venture development department whose mission is to work closely with Northern Businesses, in line with Diavik's Northern business participation policy."