Burgundy Diamond Mines received approval for renewal of its Type A Water Licence for Ekati Diamond Mine late last week.

Ekati operates under several environmental permits and agreements guided by different government agencies. The Type A Water Licence, issued by the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board, defines water use on the mine site. For example, it sets out the amount of water that Burgundy can take from lakes to use in camps or for watering roads to keep down the dust and controls the quality of the mine water Burgundy can return into the environment.

The renewal comes into effect December 18, 2023, for a period of 10 years, as an extension to the current licence. It will cover future water usage to conduct the underwater remote mining trial at Lynx pit and approval for additional water volumes for contingency for the process plant and for progressive reclamation, including back flooding completed surface pits.

“We appreciate the support from our Impact Benefit Agreement partners for Ekati’s water licence renewal, who we worked with collaboratively, throughout the duration of the regulatory process,” said Sheila Chernys, Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Communities at Burgundy. “It is certainly great news for all of us, as this is an essential part of Ekati’s future life of mine plan and growth opportunities.”

Burgundy is committed to the safety and well-being of our people, the environment and the communities in which we operate. Mitigating environmental impact is part of our environmental stewardship practices, which support our mandate to deliver ethically produced natural diamonds to the market.

One-third of the Ekati claim block is covered with water, so ensuring water usage is in line with environmental standards and regulations, is of the utmost importance to the continuity of our operations. Water usage and water quality is important for wildlife, communities in proximity to the mine, and part of our long-term mine and reclamation commitments.