A longstanding mine in the Northwest Territories is ceasing operations to focus on remediation. The Diavik diamond mine, situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, has been in production for many years, yielding over 150 million carats of diamonds, as reported by Rio Tinto, the mine’s owner. The mine officially closed on Tuesday, marking the end of an era.
Over the years, hundreds of individuals have been employed at Diavik, with a peak workforce exceeding 1,000 employees. While not all workers originate from the North, some, like Sean Sinclair, who hails from Ontario, have chosen to make the territory their home. Sinclair, who joined Diavik while pursuing his master’s degree, has progressed to become the closure manager at the mine. He even met his wife in Yellowknife, who also works at Diavik, and they have no intentions of leaving the area.
Likewise, Mike Lowing, the principal adviser for health, safety, and environment, who has resided in Yellowknife since 1974, expressed his fondness for the city and emphasized the potential for its future development despite the closure of the diamond mines. The closure of Diavik is expected to impact various communities across the territory, but with promising projects on the horizon, like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Taltson hydro expansion supported by a $35-billion investment plan for the North, there are new opportunities emerging.
Looking ahead, Alex Clinton, a senior adviser at Diavik, envisions a prosperous future for mining in the territories, particularly with a focus on gold due to rising demand for the metal. He believes that the North holds immense potential for gold mining, a sentiment echoed by the history of gold mining in Yellowknife. Recent developments, such as the reopening of Mon Mine by Sixty North Gold after nearly three decades of dormancy, signify a resurgence in the gold mining sector, especially with the record-breaking gold prices in early 2026.
Overall, despite the closure of the Diavik diamond mine, the mining industry in the Northwest Territories is poised for a golden comeback, offering new opportunities for workers like Clinton who wish to continue their careers in the region and pave the way for future generations.
