YELLOWKNIFE (June 2, 2015) – The Northwest Territories diamond industry took the stage at the industry’s premiere trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada this past weekend.

Speaking to an audience celebrating Dominion Diamond Corporations’ CanadaMark Diamond, NWT Premier Bob McLeod highlighted the territory’s unique approach to resource and diamond development that is allowing northern and Aboriginal businesses evolve as thriving partners and investors in the economy.  “The diamond industry has helped to build a model for northern resource development in the North,” said Premier McLeod. “We are turning our attention to developing other resources – and using our territory’s diamond experience and northern potential into a foundation for national prosperity.”

“The Northwest Territories is recognized globally as one of the most prospective regions in the world to search for economic kimberlite pipes,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “So much so, that the original founders of our industry are now returning to explore and develop again. Our government continues to invest in geological research to further assist industry in their exploration.”

The JCK event brought together over 2,500 companies and over 20,000 buyers and investors from the world’s diamond industry to meet and conduct business.  The GNWT presence at the event reflected the importance of the diamond sector to the NWT.  NWT diamond producers from Dominion Diamond Corporation, Rio Tinto and De Beers Canada also attended, as did representatives from Crossworks Manufacturing Limited.

In the face of a dwindling world supply, Canadian diamond output is expected to increase.  With the NWT’s fourth diamond mine set to open next year, the Premier and Minister showcased the NWT as an integral part of the future of diamonds, not only in Canada, but on an international stage.

They met with present and future investors in the NWT industry and promoted opportunities in secondary industries focused on cutting and polishing high quality rough diamonds.

Media Inquiries:
Roya Grinsted 
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: 867-669-2308
Email: roya_grinsted@gov.nt.ca