Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.(DDMI), operator of the Diavik diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories, has released its 2011 mid-year socio-economic monitoring agreement report, which provides a detailed summary of local training, employment, and business benefits for northerners.

The Diavik diamond mine is a 60:40 joint venture between DDMI (a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto) and the Harry Winston Diamond Limited Partnership (a wholly owned subsidiary of Harry Winston Diamond Corporation).

Highlights of the report include:

• Training: As part of DDMI's increased commitment to support northerners with trade skills, during the first six months of 2011, it nearly doubled the number of apprentices at the mine from 13 to 25. Of the 25, 24 are northern and 14 are Aboriginal. Additionally, in first half 2011, three northerners successfully completed their apprenticeships bringing the total number of Diavik apprentices to have achieved journeyperson certification to 30.
• Employment: In first half 2011, Diavik's northern workforce averaged 628 people, 364 above DDMI's original plan. Aboriginal employment averaged 309 people, 149 above the original plan.
• Business: Half-year spending with northern business totalled $155.6 million, or 69 percent of $224.8 million total spending. Of the northern expenditures, $64 million was with Aboriginal business. Cumulative northern spending since 2000 is now $3.6 billion, or 72 percent of total spending. The majority of northern spending is with Aboriginal businesses and their joint ventures.

To view the full report click on the icon below: