For immediate release
April 3, 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
DE BEERS CANADA WELCOMES CLARITY ON THE GAHCHO KUÉ ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Toronto, April 3, 2007 – On Monday, April 2, 2007, the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories issued a ruling upholding the decision by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (MVEIRB) referring the proposed Gahcho Kué Project for an Environmental Impact Review (EIR).
De Beers requested the judicial review to clarify the validity of the referral under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act, given that no other mining project has been subject to an EIR. De Beers is pleased that the matter has been concluded and that the company can now move the process forward. De Beers will be seeking clarity and certainty from the MVEIRB with regard to the review process and the timelines associated with each stage of the review.
“This is the first time a mining project in the Northwest Territories will be required to undergo an Environmental Impact Review. De Beers was seeking confirmation that this process is in compliance with the legislation, in order to provide us with the security that any permits granted would not be subject to future challenges. We are pleased that we can now take the Gahcho Kué Project forward with confidence in the environmental assessment process and look forward to participating in a thorough review of the project,” said Jim Gowans, President and CEO of De Beers Canada Inc.
Gahcho Kué is a joint venture project with Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. and Camphor Ventures. The joint venture is proposing to develop an open pit mine at Gahcho Kué, approximately 300 km northeast of Yellowknife.
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| For further information contact: |
Linda Dorrington
Director, Public and Corporate Affairs
De Beers Canada Inc
Telephone: 416-645-1710 ext 2107
Mobile: 416-818-2254
Email: linda.dorrington@ca.debeersgroup.com
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