Proposed diamond mine sparks concern

Proposed diamond mine sparks concern

Joyce Hunter, Northwatch

May 26, 2004

Local News - Attawapiskat residents don't necessarily see construction of a diamond mine near their community as a gem of an opportunity.

"It's the first time we've had to deal with something like this and people like the average Joe are concerned," said Mike Koostachin, a Hydro worker and long-time Attawapiskat resident.

It is the first time in Ontario's history a large diamond mining company has expressed interest in developing an open pit mine on First Nation lands.

De Beers' proposed Victor mine, about 90-kilometres west of Attawapiskat, will cost an estimated $820 million to operate during its life.

Should the project proceed, 650 people will be involved in construction and when the mine swings into operation,380 permanent jobs will result.

After a three-year construction phase, the open pit mine's life is expected to last 12 years. It will be followed by a two-year reclamation phase.

DeBeers will mine 7,000 tonnes of ore a day at a grade of 23 carats per hundred tonne.

Its processing plant will treat 2.5 million tonnes per year with the final product shipped off site to a central evaluation and storing facility.

"I have huge concerns about our environment," Koostachin said, adding it is his understanding De Beers is having problems with environmental permitting to get the project moving.

"I wonder why that is," he said. "Our elders have spoken and are concerned about the possibility of fuel spills and damage to our water supply.

"I hope the habitat doesn't get destroyed."

Financially, it will put the community in a better position, Koostachin said.

"The economy as it stands now, is depressed," he said. "People are looking forward to those high-paying jobs and skills training."

For 12 years, the economic situation will be relieved, Koostachin said.

"And then it may revert back to its original state when industry leaves."

Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Hall says she is not opposed to any industry coming to the community.

"Nor am I opposed to economic expansion within the community," she said. "However, I am concerned by environmental issues that have presented themselves recently with the Victor Project."

She said new work De Beers has planned gave her cause for concern.

"I wasn't aware that there was the possibility of a hydro line coming in, which is an additional environmental issue that has to be addressed," she said. "We also recently learned of plans to have an additional winter road coming in.

"That is a huge environmental concern to us that was not part of the original agreement."

Having said that, Hall added, "there is always an impact that will offer both positive and negatives especially as it relates to large industries involving mining."

"Our social and cultural fabric will be affected when De Beers finally does arrive in the community," she said. "It is a very significant project after all."