How was Ekati diamond found?

It all began in November 1991, when geologists Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson found 81 small diamonds at Lac de Gras in the NWT. This discovery ignited the greatest diamond staking rush in North American history, and led to their part ownership of the EKATI Diamond Mine, Canada’s first.

How deep is the Ekati diamond mine?

Ekati diamond mine geology and reserves The kimberlites intrude both granitoids and metasediments and are mostly associated with dykes and lineaments. The kimberlite pipes extend to depths between 400m and 600m below the current land surface.

What is mined at the Ekati mine?

Ekati Diamond mine was officially opened on 14 October 1998 and Ekati hit the million tonne production mark in 1999. Ekati produced 2.77 million carats of diamonds.

Where is the Ekati Diamond Mine in Canada?

The Ekati Diamond Mine (“Ekati”) is Canada’s first surface and underground diamond mine. It is located 310 km (190 mi) north-east of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and about 200 km (120 mi) south of the Arctic circle, near Lac de Gras.

When was the 78ct diamond discovered at Ekati?

A 78ct diamond was discovered at the mine in late 2010. It was the first time in 12 years of production that a diamond of such a significant gem quality was discovered at Ekati. Ekati’s mine life is till 2034, including the Misery underground and the Jay project.

How many haul trucks are in Ekati Diamond Mine?

A total of 13 240t Cat haul trucks, three 170t Cat 793 haul trucks and 11 100t Cat 777D haul trucks carry waste and ore from the pits. In the process plant, a gyratory primary crusher reduces the ore to -300mm, coarse ore being stockpiled in a 20,000t storage building.

How many kimberlite pipes are in the EKATI mine?

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 was operated by BHP Billiton Canada Inc., a part of the BHP Billiton Group, the world’s largest diversified resources company.