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Gahcho Kué Mine, the largest new diamond mine in the world, received the Workplace Health and Safety Award at the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Awards Gala on October 14.
The award recognizes an organization that has shown leadership through its commitment to improving its health and safety management practices or implemented a new, unique idea to create a safer, healthier work environment. The winning organization must also be in compliance with the NWT Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code.
The Gahcho Kué team recently surpassed 1.5 million hours work without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) and injury rates have dropped 42 per cent in 2016 – a remarkable achievement throughout the end of construction, commissioning and the commencement of operations.
“I am extremely proud of the Gahcho Kué team for this achievement,” said Kim Truter, Chief Executive Officer – De Beers Canada. “This award, as well as the prestigious John T. Ryan awarded to our Victor Mine team earlier this year, are a testament to the dedication of every employee across our operations to working safely, and their commitment to achieving Zero Harm.”
Gahcho Kué Mine’s nomination was sponsored by the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Mine General Manger Allan Rodel was on hand in Yellowknife to accept the award on behalf of the team.
“Everyone connected to Gahcho Kué shares a common desire to achieve Zero Harm,” said Rodel, in accepting the award. “This includes both De Beers employees and our contactor employees – no matter how long they were on site, for a day or for a year. To work as one team day in and day out was a huge factor in driving such a strong safety performance across the mine.”
Gahcho Kué Mine is a joint venture between De Beers Canada (51% - the Operator) and Mountain Province Diamonds (49%).
De Beers congratulates all Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Award recipients of and nominees. Click here to see the full list.