The Diavik Quarry is located on islands near the Great Slave Lake, and is one of the youngest mines in the world. It is used for diamond mining since the first diamonds were discovered on the islands during the study in 1992. The quarry has its own industrial infrastructure which has developed since 2001. The actual diamond mining is conducted since 2003. According to experts, the total production of the mine will take 16 to 22 years.
The Diavik Quarry has become one of the most expensive industrial projects in the world for the recent years. A large airport as well as a number of related infrastructure elements have been constructed in the immediate area. Currently, the quarry is a set of three kimberletic pipes. Every year they provide about 1600 kg of diamonds. The mine employes more than 700 people, the most modern and functional equipment is used for this work.
The huge financial contributions are made into the project because the diamond production has to be carried in severe weather conditions. With the coming of winter the mine is covered with snow, and the roads and airport runways are covered with ice. This leads to a significant reduction in workload. Some years ago next to the Diavik Quarry the development of some uderground mines began. The existence of these mines creates a possibility to work in a more profitable way.
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