The number of NWT residents employed at the Gahcho Kué Mine jumped 12 per cent last year compared to 2017, according to an annual socio-economic report from the mine’s operator De Beers Canada.
In 2018, the mine provided 527 "person years" of employment during the year, which is the equivalent of 527 people working full-time for a year. Two-hundred and sixty-five, or 50 per cent, of the labour was provided by NWT residents, an increase of 29 over 2017.
The number reflects both De Beers and contractor employees working at the mine, which is located approximately 280 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife.
The annual report also indicates 26 per cent of all Gahcho Kué Mine employees are Indigenous residents of the NWT.
“Our commitment to contributing to all local communities is expressed through jobs, spending with Northern businesses and corporate social investment,” stated De Beers Group Canada CEO Kim Truter in a press release issued on May 31.
De Beers Canada entered into a socio-economic agreement with the GNWT in 2013, which encourages the employment of territorial residents.
“We’re really proud to see those numbers go up,” Tom Ormsby, head of external and corporate affairs at De Beers Group Canada told Yellowknifer.
“This is a long journey so it’s good to see such good process this early, but we have to continue to challenge ourselves to make sure we improve and strengthen those numbers,” he added.