Diavik Diamond Mines gets its supplies

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, has once again resupplied its mine by transporting approximately 3,500 loads of fuel, cement, and other supplies up the 2013 winter road.

The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road opened January 30 to initial light loads. As a result of the coldest winter in 20 years, opening-day ice thickness of 86 cm (34 inches) was the most ever and was 15 cm (6 inches) thicker than what would normally be expected. NUNA Logistics constructed and maintained the 385 km ice road and Det’on Cho Scarlet provided security. Det’on Cho Construction and subcontractor RTL constructed the 141 km secondary route from Gibbs Lake to Prosperous Lake.

Currently in its 32nd year of operations, the ice road is open for approximately 10 weeks each winter and is a joint venture managed by Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc., and De Beers Canada Inc.