Sustainability
Burgundy is committed to the safety and well-being of our people and the communities in which we operate, mitigating our environmental impact and delivering ethically produced natural diamonds.
We believe people are our most important asset. Therefore, we are fully committed to the health, safety and well-being of our employees and to establishing strong, lasting and respectful relationships with the people and communities with whom we work.
This includes working collaboratively with local community leaders, stakeholder groups and governments, by sharing information and engaging to better understand their needs and expectations. To meet our commitment to help protect the Northern environment we operate in, we maintain a high standard of environmental stewardship throughout all phases of our operations.
We are committed to operating in a sustainable manner and with the utmost integrity to enhance the positive economic, environmental and social impacts of our business, while maximizing the resources we mine. Our commitment is guided by the principles of social responsibility, environmental stewardship and economic sustainability.
Ekati Plus Community Development Program
Burgundy Diamonds invests in innovative projects that support healthy, vibrant Northern communities through the Ekati Plus Community Development Program. We identify needs and opportunities and invest in viable solutions, helping communities become resilient, resourceful and ready for the future. The Ekati Plus Program assists communities achieve their goals by providing financial assistance or in-kind support for sustainable projects that benefit the people of the North.
To learn more about our application criteria and how submit a proposal for funding, download the Ekati Plus brochure.
Social Impact Stories
Arctic Canadian donates $20,000 to two Yellowknife-based organizations for youth and seniors
Point Lake Project receives all permitting required to move forward with fish-out plan and dewatering process
Ekati Mine receives MAX Award for exceptional ESG performance
Bright future ahead: Journeyperson powerline technician Frank Betsina’s insight on apprenticeships and planning for a career in trades
Grey Skies: Support for wildfire evacuees of Kátł’odeeche First Nation and Hay River residents
Ekati Wins Event at Northern Regional Mine Rescue Competition
Ekati Plus Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
At Burgundy Diamonds, we are focused on building a stronger North by assisting Northerners to achieve their career goals. An important part of strengthening our workforce in the Northwest Territories is through education, growth and development of Northerners.
Download the application to learn more about the program criteria and how to apply.
Northern and Indigenous Business
Burgundy Diamonds’ is committed to sustainable development in local communities and has four Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA) for the Ekati Mine with the Hamlet of Kugluktuk & Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Akaitcho Treaty 8 (Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation), Tlicho Government and North Slave Metis Association.
As per our Socio-Economic Agreement (SEA) and our IBAs, we are committed to supporting Northern and Northern Indigenous businesses in areas of northern spend and employment and we expect our business partners and suppliers to do the same. Where applicable, these aspects shall be considered as part of our standard evaluation process.
Responsible Trade in Diamonds
Burgundy Diamonds’ is committed to ensuring that all aspects of our business – including diamond mining and the sale of rough diamonds – reflect the highest standards of conduct. Canada subscribes to an international system of certification and warranties known as Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and The System of Warranties (SoW). The KPCS is a joint initiative between government, the diamond industry and non-governmental organizations, that imposes extensive requirements on its member countries to enable them to certify the origin of their rough diamonds and prevent illicit or “conflict” diamonds from entering legitimate trade.
The SoW is an extension of KPCS, where members of the diamond trade provide a written guarantee on all invoices that the diamonds are conflict-free. All warranties whether given or received must be audited and reconciled on an annual basis. The SoW provides assurance that diamonds are from conflict-free sources all the way to the diamond jewellery retailer. As Canada subscribes to the KPCS, diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine are conflict-free.
Responsible Jewellery Council
Burgundy Diamonds is a member of the Responsible Jewelry Council which promotes responsible, ethical, environmental and social practices throughout the diamond chain, from mine to retailer.