News from our businesses and markets

Working around and travelling over frozen or thawing water bodies is a daily reality for many people involved in remote mining in the Northwest Territories, so being able to professionally respond to emergencies is critical to ensure safety.

The Gahcho Kué Mine Emergency Response Team (ERT) recently expanded their ice water rescue knowledge and expertise through an intense training session in Yellowknife.

The two-day program was held in late April, while the ice was still thick enough to support the training activity. A dozen members of Gahcho Kué’s ERT were involved, joined by five participants from Diavik Diamond Mine, who were invited to take part.

“We have employees out in the field all the time carrying out environmental monitoring or winter road activities and some of their work takes them out onto the ice, so it’s important that we have the skills to rescue them, should the need arise,” said Richard Church, Gahcho Kué Mine ERT Coordinator.

The team is equipped with specialized equipment for ice rescue, including survival suits, sleds, throw ropes and other gear designed to withstand harsh environments.

The course included classroom work in De Beers Canada’s Yellowknife office and hands-on training at nearby Jackfish Lake. Participants took turns getting into the icy water to learn and practice ice and cold water rescue techniques.

The in-depth training allowed Gahcho Kué participants not only to become qualified responders, but to also become certified ice water rescue trainers, knowledge they will share with other ERT members at the mine.

The Gahcho Kué Mine ERT is two-time overall surface mine rescue champion at the NWT/NU Mine Rescue Competition, held annually in Yellowknife.

Gahcho Kué Mine is a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51% - the operator) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%). The mine is located in the Canada’s Northwest Territories, 280 km northeast of Yellowknife.