Ekati Diamond Mine

The EKATI Diamond Mine ("EKATI") is Canada's first surface and underground diamond mine. It is located north-east of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and about south of the Arctic circle, near Lac de Gras. EKATI is a joint venture between BHP Billiton Canada Inc. (80%), and the two geologists who discovered kimberlite pipes north of Lac de Gras, Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson each holding a 10% stake in the mine.

History

The first volcanic pipe found in the Lac de Gras region was the Point Lake kimberlite, discovered by Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson who had been prospecting in the region for almost ten years, having found kimberlite indicator minerals as early as 1985. There are 156 known kimberlite pipes within the EKATI block of claims, including the Point Lake pipe. EKATI officially began operations on October 14, 1998, and is operated by BHP Billiton Canada Inc., a part of...
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