Yellowknife (Feb 01/06) - Momentum is building toward what could be the NWT's fourth diamond mine.

De Beers is preparing a core drilling program for the Gahcho Kue mine camp this winter. The project proposes 37 drill holes and other work along the 5034 (North lobe) and Tuzo kimberlite pipes.

Seen from the air, the Gahcho Kue camp will be a busy place during late winter and spring as De Beers plans an intensive drilling program. - photo courtesy of De Beers

The drilling will commence after the winter ice road opens and the 122 km-long Gahcho Kue spur ice road is completed. De Beers projects that the drilling will be completed before the end of this season.

There are 45 people working at the camp, including drillers, site services and catering staff, geologists, safety and environment representatives and crews preparing the ice surface.

Tli Cho Logistics is contracted to prepare the ice drill pads for the LDD rigs. A joint venture between North Slave Metis Alliance and Tundra Site Services has been contracted for all site services. Tlicho Domco is handling catering services.

The camp re-opened on Nov. 28, when the ice was strong enough to land a Twin Otter aircraft.

The company has since worked to re-establish the camp, which closed in late September, to get heat and water running and prepare for the arrival of crews to flood the ice for Hercules landing.

Planned improvements to the site involve a new skid camp office, kitchen facility, 49-person dormitory, shower and toilet block, power generation, sewage treatment plant and an fuel farm upgrade.

This will include installation of two 100,000 litre envirotanks in a lined and bermed facility and associated earthworks.

"Our project incorporates learning from the Snap Lake project and its environmental assessment," said Cathie Bolstad, De Beers public and corporate affairs manager. "The environmental assessment will provide a thorough review of the project, and provide an opportunity for input that can lead to further improvements."

Approval by the De Beers board of directors in July of last year began the process to pursue a Class A water license and Type A land use permit, which are required to construct and operate a future mine.

De Beers submitted applications to the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Review Board in late November. The permitting process is expected to take about three years.