Twenty-six years after their initial partnership, the Tłı̨chǫ government and mining giant Rio Tinto have come together again. They recently signed a closure agreement in Behchokǫ for Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine, which is set to cease production next month.
This agreement marks a significant milestone for Rio Tinto in Canada. Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty emphasized the importance of collaborative mine closure practices, highlighting the mutual commitment to opening and closing the mine together.
The closure plan includes extensive efforts to rehabilitate the land, drawing on traditional knowledge passed down through generations of elders involved since the mine’s inception. The focus is on safeguarding the environment while creating post-closure opportunities for the community.
As part of the agreement, funding is allocated for Tłı̨chǫ-led projects during the closure phase, with provisions for employment, training, and business prospects for Tłı̨chǫ citizens. Tara Marchiori, Diavik’s manager of communities and social performance, noted that discussions on the closure agreement commenced in April 2024, emphasizing the continuous emphasis on social considerations since 2019.
Former Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief Joe Rabesca expressed gratitude for the partnership and legacy of the mine, underscoring the positive relationship with Diavik and Rio Tinto. Reflecting on the mine’s history, Peter Huskey recalled engaging with elders during the mine’s early assessments, highlighting the company’s efforts to involve the community in the process.
The Tłı̨chǫ government assured that support and information will be provided to affected workers and families through various channels. The ceremony, marked by songs and prayers, symbolized the collaborative efforts towards a responsible mine closure and land restoration.