Northwest Territories Diamond Mines Unite to Auction Unique Pendant for Local Families in Need

Northwest Territories Diamond Mines Unite to Auction Unique Pendant for Local Families in Need

(IN BRIEF) The Northwest Territories’ three diamond mines—Diavik, Gahcho Kué, and Ekati—have created a one-of-a-kind pendant with diamonds from each mine, set in a Northern-inspired caribou antler design. This unique pendant, valued at over C$12,000, will be auctioned at the 2024 MAX Awards in Yellowknife, with all proceeds supporting the Adopt-A-Family program, which aids local families during the holiday season. Leaders from each mine highlighted the pendant as a symbol of cultural respect and community support, with funds raised helping provide gifts, clothing, and food to families in need.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 8-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Three diamond mines in Canada’s Northwest Territories—Diavik, Gahcho Kué, and Ekati—have collaborated on an exclusive, one-of-a-kind pendant featuring diamonds from each operation, set in an 18-karat white gold design inspired by the North. This unique piece, crafted by Adamas Diamonds, includes a 0.41-carat Ekati diamond, a 0.51-carat Gahcho Kué diamond, and a 0.41-carat Diavik diamond arranged in a custom caribou antler motif, symbolizing the Northern origins of these precious gems. The pendant’s appraised value exceeds C$12,000.

The three mines have donated this pendant to be auctioned at the 2024 MAX Awards in Yellowknife on November 28. All proceeds will support the Adopt-A-Family program run by the Yellowknife Community Fundraising Club, which provides holiday gifts and essentials to local families in need.

Matthew Breen, Chief Operating Officer at Diavik Diamond Mine, highlighted the pendant’s symbolic connection to the Northern land, wildlife, and community, reflecting a shared commitment to support the Yellowknife community. Avischen Moodley, Country President for De Beers Canada, emphasized the cultural significance of caribou in the North, aligning with the mines’ ongoing dedication to positively impacting local communities. Jeff Reinson, Vice President of Operations at Burgundy Diamond Mines, expressed pride in the pendant as a testament to the strength and beauty of the North, noting its deep cultural resonance with Indigenous communities and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Kathy Gray, spokesperson for the MAX Awards, expressed gratitude for this generous contribution, noting that the funds raised will help provide holiday gifts, winter clothing, and food to children in need.

The MAX Awards, held annually, celebrate significant contributions to the Northwest Territories’ mining and exploration sector, honoring achievements in economic leadership, environmental responsibility, Indigenous impact in mining, and dedicated service. Tickets are available online.

Media Contacts:

Diavik Diamond Mine
Vanessa Damha
Vanessa.Damha@riotinto.com

Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine 
Terry Kruger
Terry.Kruger@debeersgroup.com

Burgundy Diamond Mines 
Ariella Calin
Ariella.Calin@burgundydiamonds.com

MAX Awards 
Kathy Gray
Kathy@inuks.ca

riotinto.com

SOURCE: Rio Tinto