The Gahcho Kué diamond mine located 280 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife. (Supplied by DeBeers Canada.)
Northwest Territories
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Gahcho Kué shutdown as six new presumptive COVID-19 cases reported

Bailey Moreton
By Bailey Moreton

Gahcho Kué has paused operations to stop COVID-19 spreading as six more presumptive cases at the mine have been reported.

Operations were paused on February 6 with no timeline for when they will restart.

Forty-seven individuals have been identified as contacts and are isolating at facilities at the mine. 

The results are being confirmed at Stanton Hospital; if they are confirmed, there will be eight COVID-19 cases at the mine.

“The health and safety of our employees and contractors are our first priority so we made the immediate decision to stop mining and processing of ore effective Saturday, February 6, until we determine a safe path forward,” Lyndon Clark, the Mine General Manager, said in a statement.

“Only employees required to keep essential services operating will be allowed out of their rooms for the time being. All other employees are to stay in their rooms except to use the washroom and for scheduled meal times.”

All the individuals who tested positive are doing well. 

These new cases are unrelated to the COVID-19 outbreak declared January 29 at the winter road worksite near the mine.

There are 335 people currently at the mine site.

Bailey Moreton
Bailey Moreton
Bailey is new to the north, arriving from Ottawa where he studied journalism at Carleton University. He has worked for newspapers in Halifax, Windsor, and Ottawa. He came to the north hoping to see polar bears. He will settle for a bison. If you have a tip, send it to 905 252-9781, or [email protected].

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