YELLOWKNIFE (November 4, 2010) - The members of the Northern Mining Workforce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Initiative re-affirmed their commitment to achieving the objectives of this partnership at a productive steering committee meeting held Tuesday.

The MOU was signed in November of 2008. Its members include the Departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and Education, Culture and Employment, BHP Billiton Canada Inc., Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., and De Beers Canada Inc. It is designed to maximize opportunities from diamond mining for NWT residents. Through the MOU, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the diamond mines have agreed to work towards two main objectives - develop the skills of NWT workers, and attract and retain an NWT workforce.

The need for an increased emphasis on training was identified during the meeting. The GNWT and the diamond mine companies intend to work together on training. They agreed to focus their resources on targeted training efforts that ensure NWT residents have the skills to take advantage of the job opportunities at the mines, while also meeting the needs of the industry.

The meeting also gave the partners the chance to review the efforts that have been made to attract and retain an NWT workforce. Since 2009, the three mines have worked with the GNWT to promote the territory as a place to pursue a career, both in the NWT and across Canada.

"Maximizing opportunities for NWT residents from natural resource development is a GNWT priority and this MOU is an important initiative that will help us achieve our goals," says Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister Bob McLeod. "There is still much work that needs to be done, but this meeting provided the partners with a chance to talk about the progress wefve made and how we can continue to work together for the betterment of the people of the Northwest Territories."

"Preparing, recruiting and retaining workers is an issue that affects all sectors in the Northwest Territories," says Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jackson Lafferty. "The mines have identified safety standards, trades and technical training as key priorities in addressing northern workforce issues. Focusing our collaborative training efforts in these areas will have spin-off benefits for other sectors and employers in the NWT."

"For over a decade, BHP Billiton has provided employment, training and business opportunities for the people of the North at EKATI Diamond Mine," said Paul Harvey, Asset President. "We are proud of our record, and are committed to continuing to work closely with government and industry partners under the MOU, to ensure that the North continues to prosper. Our commitment is to achieve a lasting positive impact in the communities in which we operate."

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer, Kim Truter states that Diavik is fully committed to sustainable northern benefits for all stakeholders from its operations, including maximizing northern recruitment and retention. "We continue to pursue various initiatives to enhance this endeavor, such as recently committing to a target of training 86 heavy trade journey persons by 2020 and making Hay River another 4 x 3 pickup location. Supporting the MOU initiative is a critical way forward to work together in partnership with the Government and the two other diamond operations to evaluate, recommend, and implement actions that will bear benefits to increase northern employment, training, recruitment, as well as addressing retention issues."

"Developing and keeping the skills we need here in the NWT continues to be a high priority for De Beers," said Chantal Lavoie, Acting Chief Executive Officer for De Beers Canada. "The diamond industry has been a trail blazer for success models that build community capacity and develop new sustainable skills here in the NWT. We havenft achieved this success by working alone and De Beers remains committed to working with industry partners and government."

For more information, contact:

Darren Campbell
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696

Amy Doerksen
Manager, Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-6222

Deana Twissell
Superintendent, Corporate and Community Affairs
BHP Billiton Canada Inc.
Tel: (867) 669-6107

Doug Ashbury
Communications Advisor
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
Tel: (867) 669-6525

Cathie Bolstad
Director, External and Corporate Affairs
De Beers Canada Inc.
Tel: (867) 766-7325