The Snap Lake Diamond Mine is a significant diamond mining operation located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. It is owned and operated by De Beers Canada, a subsidiary of De Beers Group, one of the world’s largest diamond mining and trading companies.
Snap Lake Diamond Mine is situated approximately 220 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories. The mine is located within the traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ First Nation and operates under an Impact and Benefit Agreement with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties.
The mine was officially opened in 2008 and represents a substantial investment by De Beers. It is an underground diamond mine that extracts diamonds from deep beneath the Snap Lake, which is frozen year-round. The mine’s operations involve the extraction of kimberlite ore, which is processed on-site to extract rough diamonds.
The De Beers Mine utilizes advanced mining techniques and technologies to ensure efficient and safe operations. The mine employs a combination of underground mining methods, including the use of tunnel-boring machines and remote-controlled equipment. These methods minimize the environmental impact of the operation and prioritize worker safety.
In addition to the mining operation, De Beers Jewellers has implemented rigorous environmental management practices at Snap Lake. Measures such as water management systems, reclamation plans, and wildlife monitoring programs are in place to minimize the mine’s impact on the surrounding environment.
SEKO Construction was responsible for designing, supplying, and installing mining facilities at Snap Lake, which encompasses the mine building and utilidors. The De Beers Snap Lake Diamond Mine project included the construction of three pre-engineered buildings and multiple interior steel packages. The buildings included a 72,000 sq. ft. Process building, a 56,000 sq. ft. Utilities building and a 53,000 sq. ft. Services Building. The project was designed, procured and packaged to be ready for ice road transport.
- Project DeBeers Diamond Mine
- Location Snap Lake, NT
