Knowledge-Based Study
of the Canadian Diamond Industry

An Overview of Diamond Mining in Canada

In late 1991, the announcement of a diamond find in the Lac de Gras area led to a staking rush in the Northwest Territories and what is now known as Nunavut. Since then, the country’s first two diamond mines (Ekati and Diavik) have entered production and exploration has proceeded across the country at a rapid pace. We now have significant finds in Nunavut, the Otish Mountains in Quebec, and Fort à la Corne in Saskatchewan and near Attiwapiskat in northern Ontario.

In fact, more than 30 per cent of the world exploration budget for diamonds is targeted at Canada.

Canada has produced a highly successful mining industry that is a leading exporter of technology and expertise. In the case of diamond mining, the industry is providing highpaying, high-tech jobs and other spinoff benefits.

Canada is the third largest diamond producer, by value, in the world.

What is the Knowledge-Based Study of the Canadian Diamond Industry?

The purpose of the study is to complete and publish a knowledge-based study on the Canadian diamond industry, focusing on the role of diamonds in the Canadian economy and Canada’s future as a diamond producing and manufacturing nation. In addition, the study will place the Canadian diamond industry in the context of the international diamond industry.

The Benefits

The government of canada believes that a strong foundation of knowledge on our complex diamond industry will assist those already working in the industry and those considering investment in various areas within the industry.

With the significant growth in the canadian diamond industry, this is an opportune time to provide a comprehensive resource on the diamond industry, including associated risks, challenges and opportunities.

Areas of Study

The study will include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following areas within the Canadian diamond industry:

• Status of Diamond Research in Canada
• Canadian Diamond Exploration
• Canadian Mine Development — Construction to Production
• Sorting of Canadian Rough Diamonds
• Valuation of Canadian Rough Diamonds
• Marketing and Sales of Canadian Rough Diamonds
• Manufacturing — Cutting and Polishing in Canada
• Marketing of Polished Diamonds in Canada
• Diamond Jewelry Manufacturing in Canada
• Security in the Canadian Diamond Industry
• Financing in the Canadian Diamond Industry
• Workforce Development and Training in the Canadian Diamond Industry

Wherever possible, the study will also include a case study of the Canadian experience.

An Open and Transparent Process

An independent, third-party project management team has been selected to prepare the Knowledge-Based Study of the Canadian Diamond Industry.

A small working secretariat of key representatives from the diamond industry, other interested stakeholders and groups and government sectors directly involved with the industry will be established to provide guidance and feedback to the consultant.

The report will be completed in a fully inclusive manner.

To find out more about the Government of Canada’s Knowledge-Based Study of the Canadian Diamond Industry, please contact:

Mineral Resources Directorate
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Tel: 819-997-9828
Fax: 819-953-9066

Published under the authority of the Minister
of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Ottawa, 2003
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca
1-800-567-9604
TY only 1-886-553-0554

QS-4006-000-BB-A1
Catalogue: R2-315/2004
ISBN /ISSN: 0-662-37985-7

© Minister of Public Works and Government
Services Canada

Evaluation of the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PDF 297 Kb) in PDF format.

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