De Beers Group has selected Golder to act as the prime contractor for the recommissioning of the Victor Mine—Ontario’s first and only diamond mine.

The mine, which is located in the James Bay Lowlands, approximately 90 kilometres west of the Attawapiskat First Nation, operated from 2008 through 2019.

Construction of the Victor Mine began in February 2006, and cost about $1 billion—with approximately $167 million spent with Aboriginal businesses or joint venture partners.

De Beers selected Golder to carry out the remaining closure activities, including demolition of the remaining infrastructure and rehabilitation of the site.

“Golder has a strong track record of successful closure and rehabilitation of industrial sites around the world, including working with local communities where they operate,” says Maxwell Morapeli, head of asset retirement for De Beers Group. “We look forward to benefiting from their experience as we continue the responsible closure of Victor mine.”

Golder has said it is committed to offering employment opportunities for nearby Indigenous community members as a part of the day-to-day management of the site, including direct hires of operators and labourers, and contracting Indigenous companies for services such as catering, cleaning and security.

Moreover, the company is working closely with De Beers Group to provide beneficial skills training and business development opportunities that will serve the community beyond the conclusion of closure activities.

Former Victor employees have also been hired to support the closure work.

“Golder is proud to have been selected to lead the responsible closure of the Victor Mine.” says Greg Herasymuik, Golder’s Canadian region president. “Golder’s multi-disciplinary team of construction, environmental and mining specialists will be implementing De Beers’ Closure Plan, with planned works into 2023.

“As we manage activities at site, including decommissioning the open pit, dismantling of surface infrastructure, rehabilitating the site and establishing long-term monitoring, we are committed to providing opportunities so that the local community can continue to be involved at Victor,” he added.