A longstanding mine in the Northwest Territories is ceasing operations and transitioning towards a focus on remediation. The Diavik diamond mine, located approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, has been in production for several decades, yielding over 150 million carats of diamonds, as reported by Rio Tinto, the mine’s owner. On Tuesday, the mine permanently shut down, having employed hundreds of individuals, with a peak workforce exceeding 1,000 people. While not all workers are local to the North, some, such as Sean Sinclair from Ontario, have expressed a desire to remain in the region.
Sinclair, who has resided in the territory for over ten years, began his journey with Diavik while pursuing his master’s degree. He progressed to a full-time role and currently serves as the closure manager at the mine. Notably, Sinclair met his wife in Yellowknife, who also works at Diavik, solidifying their commitment to the city.
Similarly, Mike Lowing, the principal adviser for health, safety, and environment at the mine, shares a deep connection to Yellowknife, having lived there since 1974. Despite the challenges posed by the closure of diamond mines, Lowing remains optimistic about the city’s future and the potential for new opportunities.
The closure of Diavik is expected to impact multiple communities across the Northwest Territories. However, with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement of a $35-billion investment plan for the North, including support for projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson hydro expansion, new prospects are on the horizon. Lowing expressed interest in contributing to these projects, emphasizing the employment opportunities they could bring to the region.
Although the closure of Diavik signifies the end of an era, Alex Clinton, a senior adviser at the mine, believes that mining activities should continue in the region. Clinton, a long-time resident of Yellowknife, is optimistic about the potential for increased gold mining in the territories, citing the growing demand for the precious metal. Given Yellowknife’s historical association with gold mining, recent developments like the reopening of the Mon Mine indicate a resurgence in the industry.
The Mon Mine, situated approximately 45 kilometers north of Yellowknife, is set to resume operations after nearly three decades of dormancy. With the price of gold reaching record highs in early 2026, Clinton sees a promising future for the industry in the North. Expressing his commitment to the region where his children were born, Clinton hopes for continued opportunities in the mining sector for future generations.