De Beers to open facility in Sudbury

ANNOUNCEMENT: Major economic project

Posted By DENIS ST. PIERRE, THE SUDBURY STAR

Posted 4 hours ago

Sudbury is set to become a player in the diamond mining business.

In what has been characterized as a "major" economic project for the community, the provincial government planned to announce today a diamond-processing facility will be set up in the city.

The announcement was scheduled to be made today by Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle.

"It's a major announcement," Mayor John Rodriguez told The Star on the weekend. Rodriguez would not discuss any details of the announcement or its potential impact on the city.

However, a source with the city confirmed the announcement will involve diamond-producing giant De Beers setting up a facility in Sudbury to process the valuable gems.

"It's going to be a diamond-cutting operation," said the source.

"It's good news for the city, there's no doubt about that."

De Beers Canada opened Ontario's first diamond mine -- Victor Mine -- in January 2008 in the James Bay lowlands of the province's far North. The mine is located in the traditional lands of the Attawapiskat First Nation and De Beers struck development and operating agreements with five First Nations in the region.

Opinion - Mining Companies such as De Beers are naturally attracted to Sudbury because of the ready access to labour, mining supply companies, infrastructure and Transportation routes. The 4 laning of hwy 69 is well underway and has just received increased funding under the provinces recent budget.

This leads me to wonder why Xstrata & CVRD which have major operations in Sudbury have not steped up to the plate in the RoF?

With the recent news of gov't spending on roads and airports for remote areas, expect to see increased activity in the form of buyouts in the RoF.

SN