Mountain Province Diamonds says development of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories is progressing according to plan.
As of end of May, the project was approximately 62 per cent complete.
“We’re on track for first production in H2 2016 and are currently making arrangements to be in a position to receive and sell our 49 per cent share of diamond production,” said Patrick Evans, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Mountain Province. “These arrangements are expected to be in place by the end of 2015.”
The company says it will continue to focus on dewatering to expose the kimberlites, the placement of concrete foundations, and the erection of steel superstructures of the major facilities. In addition, it will work to ensure the process plant building is enclosed by October 2015.
There are currently approximately 500 employees and contractors onsite at Gahcho Kué and this number is expected to peak to approximately 650 during the third quarter of this year.
Mountain Province is a 49 per cent participant with De Beers Canada in Gahcho Kué.
