After decades of operation, the Diavik diamond mine in the N.W.T. has ceased production and is transitioning towards remediation efforts. The mine, situated approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, has yielded over 150 million carats of diamonds, as reported by Rio Tinto, the mine’s owner. The closure of the mine took place on Tuesday, marking the end of an era.
With a workforce that peaked at over 1,000 individuals, the mine employed hundreds of people, some of whom are not native to the region but have expressed a desire to remain in the area. Sean Sinclair, hailing from Ontario, has resided in the territory for more than ten years. Starting at Diavik while pursuing his master’s degree, Sinclair has progressed to become a closure manager at the mine. Additionally, he met his wife in Yellowknife, who also works at Diavik, solidifying their commitment to staying in the region.
Similarly, long-time Yellowknife resident Mike Lowing, serving as the principal adviser for health, safety, and environment, emphasized his attachment to the city and optimism for its future post-Diavik. While acknowledging the impact of the mine’s closure on various communities, Lowing remains open to new opportunities, particularly in light of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent $35-billion investment plan for the North, which includes backing for infrastructure projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Taltson hydro expansion.
Despite Diavik’s closure, Alex Clinton, a senior adviser at the mine with a lengthy tenure in Yellowknife, believes that mining activities should persist in the region, highlighting the potential for increased gold mining operations. Recognizing the rising demand for gold, efforts are underway to revitalize gold mining in the N.W.T. Yellowknife’s historical ties to gold mining are evident, with recent developments such as the reopening of Mon Mine by Sixty North Gold, located east of the city, signaling a resurgence in gold production.
As the price of gold reaches record highs in early 2026, Clinton remains enthusiastic about the industry’s prospects in the North, expressing a desire for his children to have opportunities in the same field. The positive outlook on the future of mining in the N.W.T. is shared by individuals like Sinclair, Lowing, and Clinton, who are committed to remaining in the region and contributing to its economic development.