Sustainability

Burgundy Diamond Mines is committed to progressive and sustainable mining practices. Ekati Diamond Mine, our world-renowned cornerstone asset in Canada’s Northwest Territories complies with strict environmental standards within a regulated environment. Prior to any new development or closure of an existing development consultation with local Indigenous communities and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide input which is considered by regulatory agencies and implemented through the terms and conditions of the approvals.

The Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board, Independent Environmental Monitoring Agency and Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada are involved in the regulatory framework to maintain transparency, accountability and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Wildlife monitoring

The Wildlife Management and Monitoring Plan is continually updated to report our wildlife monitoring efforts at Ekati Diamond Mine. Monitoring involves reporting any wildlife incidents, and documenting mitigation effectiveness through remote cameras and routine surveys. Considering the reports on wildlife data, operational work is planned and undertaken in a way that avoids and minimizes wildlife impact. For example, vehicle traffic may be halted, or speeds reduced for haul truck drivers to accommodate safe passage of caribou. The overarching goal is to evaluate mitigation measures and adapt strategies within an adaptive management framework. The wildlife monitoring and mitigation efforts at Ekati Diamond Mine is reviewed and released annually.

To gather important wildlife data, Burgundy Diamond Mines provided funding for the Government of the Northwest Territories’ radio-collaring program for the Beverly and Bathurst caribou herds. The data collected includes a telemetry report with location data, distribution of water bodies, eskers, land cover categories (mostly vegetation types), and insect abundance, which will be used to analyze caribou responses to mine infrastructure with the purpose to address concerns regarding Ekati Diamond Mine’s impact on caribou behavior comprehensively.

Fisheries and Aquatics

The purpose of the Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program is to determine if water discharged from mining activities changes water quality affecting the plants and animals that live in water downstream from Ekati Diamond Mine. The program works as an early warning system by detecting slight changes in the levels of water quality indicators including nutrients, salts, and metals. Early detection allows the Ekati Diamond Mine team to address water quality changes before they have a negative effect in the receiving environment. The three major watersheds are monitored for potential mine activities affects:

• Koala Watershed, the central watershed near Ekati main camp.
• King-Cujo Watershed, located near Misery and King Pond Settling Facility.
• Horseshoe Watershed, located near Sable and Two Rock Sedimentation Pond.

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment set water quality variables and benchmark limits that have been set to protect aquatic life.

Water quality variables are monitored at six site specific locations and must stay with in limits to be considered protective of the specific plants and animals that live in the water around Ekati mine site.

The Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board has oversight of fisheries and aquatics programs and has a systematic approach for required responses to action level results as outlined in the water licence. If readings exceed benchmark limits of the program (action level) a response plan for water quality, biological (plankton and benthos), and fish variables must be submitted for stakeholder review and Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board approval.

Waste management

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our waste management practices, which prioritize environmental protection and resource conservation. The dedicated Waste Management Team plays a vital role in Ekati’s waste management plan, which aims to maintain a safe workplace while minimizing adverse effects on the environment and wildlife.

The waste management plan emphasizes a holistic approach to waste management, focusing on waste reduction at the source as the most effective strategy. Through inventory control, purchasing practices, and hazardous materials management procedures, we strive to minimize waste generation. Additionally, the company promotes reuse and recycling, ensuring that materials are repurposed whenever possible to conserve resources and reduce energy consumption. We also look for innovative ways to reduce burnable waste. For example, in 2015 we invested in an in-vessel composter that both minimizes fuel consumption and reduces transportation costs associated with waste disposal. 

We have implemented various initiatives to enhance recycling efforts, including the introduction of receptacles for dangerous goods and plastics across the site. By recovering materials and energy from waste products and treating waste on-site to mitigate environmental impacts, Ekati demonstrates its commitment to responsible waste management. 

Planned and Progressive reclamation

Ensuring we meet our obligations for reclaiming the land to a viable and, where practical, a self-sustaining ecosystem that is compatible with a healthy environment is guaranteed through surety bonds. These bonds are held by reputable insurance providers, surety holders, to ensure reclamation is fully funded and the required financial commitment is available in the for each area that becomes part of an active operation at Ekati.

To plan for reclamation at Ekati Diamond Mine research has been ongoing since its inception to address reclamation uncertainties. Through nine research plans, which were approved by the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board in 2011, collect valuable data used to assess discharge processes and the deposition of finely processed kimberlite to ensure compliance with closure criteria. All developments integrate considerations for eventual closure and reclamation, including the waste rock storage area and pit design.