Yellowknife (Nov 15/06) - The Diavik diamond mine will likely face tighter restrictions on its water licence after water board hearings for its renewal came to a close in Behchoko (Rae) last Friday.

Hearings by the Wek'eezhii Land and Water Board (WLWB) were held in Behchoko (Rae) last week to determine if Diavik's application for a 15-year license renewal should be approved. Its first license, issued in 2000, expires in August of next year.

Lutsel K'e residents Charlie Catholique (right) and Albert Boucher share a few words before making statements before the Wek'eezhii Land and Water Board at the Behchoko Community Centre last week. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

At issue is the amount of ammonia - from explosions related to mine operations - being discharged into Lac de Gras, site of the Diavik mine 300km northeast of Yellowknife.

Diavik's current license allows for a maximum 20 mg per litre of ammonia concentration discharge.

Hoefer said discharge levels are around 6 mg.

However, intervenors want the maximum ammonia concentration reduced to 10 mg, plus programs implemented for ammonia management, aquatic monitoring and a closure plan as part of any license renewal. Also, intervenors want the license period shortened to a period between three and seven years to ensure the mine is holding up its end of the bargain.

While company spokesperson Tom Hoefer insisted Diavik had followed the rules, intervenors that included federal government ministries and aboriginal groups disagreed.

"If we weren't in compliance, we'd be charged," said Hoefer during a break in proceedings on the last day of hearings, Friday. "And we are meeting all the water quality guidelines in Canada."

In his closing statement, Tlicho government spokesperson Arthur Pape urged WLWB to turn down Diavik's application until the company addressed issues over its lake monitoring and closure plans.

"You should refuse to grant the application but not dismiss it," he said. "But postpone it to give Diavik an opportunity to submit a revised ammonia monitoring program and clean-up plan. If they satisfy you on those things then we'll talk about renewal."

Violet Camsell-Blondin, WLWB chair, adjourned hearings Friday and would not specify when the board would make its decision.

Diavik's Lac de Gras mine consists of one open pit, formed by damming a portion of the lake, and more recent underground operations. Diavik has estimated that by 2008, efforts would be concentrated solely on its underground mining interests at the site, expected to be in production until 2022.

As well, the company has put up more than $150 million in security deposits for reclamation and clean-up.