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De Beers achieved another corporate milestone in Canada with the Official Opening of the new Operational Support Centre in Calgary, Alberta on July 6, 2016.
More than 100 guests, media and employees were in attendance. The ceremony showcased all aspects of De Beers’ activities in Canada, from an aggressive exploration program across the country in 2016 to the final preparations to open the world’s largest new diamond mine under construction later this year when Gahcho Kué begins production.
The Operational Support Centre was relocated to Calgary from Toronto to better position De Beers for the company’s third asset in Canada and their second in the Northwest Territories. The office has pooled together critical support skills from around the company and set up a leading edge office to maximize productivity and swift responses to new opportunities, such as the current exploration project in the Athabaska region of northwestern Saskatchewan with CanAlaska Uranium.
The open concept design has integrated the latest available technology, expanded wireless connectivity and links to the operations. Staff have numerous collaboration options and can move work locations instantly without losing time or contact with any virtual work partners they may also be connected with. By locating the office at the Calgary International Airport, employee can easily travel to our remote mines in the Northwest Territories or Northern Ontario, or for customers and others to visit De Beers. Employee teams are focused on providing direct support to the mining operations, important in a competitive global diamond market.
Chief Executive Officer Kim Truter explained to those in attendance that the timing was right for De Beers to restructure and reposition the company in Canada for Gahcho Kué and beyond. “It’s been quite a journey over the past nine months to prepare De Beers for the next chapter in our lengthy history in Canada”, said Truter. “The consolidation of key skills, the repositioning of the Operational Support Centre and the improvements to our structure and processes all have one goal in mind, to transform De Beers for a strong and sustainable future as the leading diamond company in Canada – just like De Beers is the world’s leading diamond company.”
The office opening was attended by Charles Stanley, President of Forevermark in U.S. and Canada. He noted that De Beers’ Canadian operations are playing an important role in an industry where consumers want diamonds that are produced under the highest ethical standards.
“It is a pleasure to be here to help connect the mining side and the great work you do with our Forevermark manufacturers and retail partners, who bring these beautiful and responsibly sourced diamonds to the consumer’, said Charles. “Our teams in the U.S. and Canada, including right here in Calgary, appreciate this unique partnership and are proud of the fact that your work here is creating benefits and opportunities for the people and the communities where you operate’.
Also in attendance were Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill MLA Karen McPherson and Calgary Economic Development President & CEO Mary Moran, who both brought greetings and welcomed De Beers to Calgary.