Ekati Diamond Mine

Ekati Diamond Mine
Ekati mine aerial view, August 2010. Four open pits on four kimberlite pipes may be seen, along with the Ekati airport.
Location
Ekati Diamond Mine is located in Northwest Territories
Ekati Diamond Mine
Ekati Diamond Mine
Location in Canada,
Ekati Diamond Mine is located in Canada
Ekati Diamond Mine
Ekati Diamond Mine
Ekati Diamond Mine (Canada)
LocationLac de Gras
TerritoryNorthwest Territories
CountryCanada
Coordinates64°42′49″N 110°37′10″W / 64.71361°N 110.61944°W / 64.71361; -110.61944
Production
ProductsDiamonds
History
Discovered1991
Opened1998
Owner
CompanyBurgundy Diamond Mines
Websiteburgundydiamonds.com

The Ekati Diamond Mine, often simply called Ekati, is Canada's first surface and underground diamond mine[1] and is owned by Burgundy Diamond Mines. It is located 310 km (190 mi) north-east of Yellowknife,[2] Northwest Territories, and about 200 km (120 mi) south of the Arctic Circle, near Lac de Gras. Until 2014, Ekati was a joint venture between Dominion Diamond Mines (80%), Chuck Fipke, and Stewart Blusson, the two geologists who discovered kimberlite pipes north of Lac de Gras. Fipke and Blusson each held 10% stake in the mine, until Fipke sold his share to Dominion.[3][1] In 2021, Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd. acquired the Ekati Diamond Mine with associated assets and liabilities from Dominion Diamond Mines. In July 2023, Burgundy Diamond Mines purchased full control of Arctic Canadian Diamond Company.[4]

  1. ^ a b Zlotnikoc, Dan (November 2008). "A norther star - Canada's first diamond mine celebrates a milestone". CIM Magazine. 3 (7). Montreal, Canada: 40–43. ISSN 1718-4177.
  2. ^ "Harry Winston buying Ekati mine for $500M US". November 13, 2012. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  3. ^ Koven, Peter. "Life after Ekati: Legendary Canadian geologist Chuck Fipke gears up for more exploration". Financial Post. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  4. ^ Dulewich, Jenna (July 7, 2023). "Ekati sale official, new owners hopeful the future is bright". Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2024.