Taking a Closer Look

The De Beers Victor Mine is Ontario’s first and only diamond mine. Part of the De Beers Group of Companies, the Victor Mine is an open-pit mine that officially opened in July 2008. A remote fly-in/fly-out operation located in the James Bay Lowlands on the traditional lands of Attawapiskat First Nation, the mine employees approximately 500 people, of which 40% are self-identified First Nation members.

De Beers has signed Impact Benefit Agreements with Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Moose Cree First Nations to maximize benefits available during the construction and operation of the Victor Mine. These benefits include both direct and indirect compensation and local priorities for training, employment and business opportunities.

De Beers has also signed an agreement with the government of Ontario to make available for sale in Ontario, 10% of the annual Victor production by value to local cutting and polishing operations as selected by the province.

The Victor pipe is one of 16 diamond-bearing kimberlites on the property and extension work is being carried out on several targets to determine their economic potential.  The De Beers Victor Mine has won several awards for its technical, environmental and social performance, including being named 2009 International Mine of the Year.