09 July 2010
2009 sustainable development report
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. is pleased to release its 2009 annual sustainable development report. In addition to background information about Diavik, the report highlights our many initiatives towards economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental protection - the three key pillars of sustainable development.
Highlights in the 2009 report include:
• An overview of our work to prepare for underground mining. In 2009, construction of our new underground mine and related surface works was nearing completion in preparation for the start of production which would begin in February of this year.
• In 2009, Diavik's lost time injury and all incident frequency rates were our best since we began our mining operations in 2003. As a result, our workforce was awarded a prestigious national John T. Ryan safety trophy.
• Completion of our fifth Aboriginal development program, bringing the total number of graduates from the program, which began in 2005, to 49.
• At year-end, 18 northerners were in apprenticeships at Diavik. The total number of Diavik apprentices who have achieved journeyperson designation is 18.
• Our northern workforce averaged 528 workers, of which approximately half are Aboriginal.
• For operations and construction, $288 million was spent locally. Of this, $145 million was with Aboriginal business. Cumulative local spending surpassed $3 billion.
• Diavik continues to operate in compliance with all environmental regulations, licences, and permits, and our environmental management system was maintained to the global ISO 14001:2004 standard.
• Our community projects continue and we partnered to complete the Aven Cottage Territorial Dementia Facility in Yellowknife.
• Diamond production for the year was 5.6 million carats.
The full report can be found at www.diavik.ca in the reports and publications section.
The Diavik Diamond Mine, a national John T. Ryan safety trophy winner, is located 300 km. northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and is an unincorporated joint venture between DDMI (60%) and Harry Winston Diamond Limited Partnership (40%). Both companies are headquartered in Yellowknife, Canada. DDMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc of London, England, and Harry Winston Diamond Limited Partnership is controlled Harry Winston Diamond Corporation of Toronto, Canada. DDMI is the operator of the project. For further information contact Doug Ashbury, Adviser, Communications at Tel: (867) 669-6525, or visit the DDMI website at www.diavik.ca.