“Burgundy has made this tough resolution after taking to coronary heart all of the feedback and suggestions offered throughout the utility course of,” it wrote to the CBC on Tuesday, including that it might revisit the challenge sooner or later after incorporating suggestions from the Tłı̨cho authorities.
On the identical day, the corporate despatched a letter to NWT Premier R.J. Simpson that referred to as for quite a few adjustments to rules it says “are getting unnecessarily extra onerous,” in accordance with the CBC report. These “rigid” rules, in accordance with Burgundy, are the one factor retaining Ekati from working till not less than 2040, the report provides.
The choice to drag its utility for the Sable underground challenge and sending the letter got here a day earlier than it was scheduled to participate in a public listening to, which has been cancelled.
Earlier this yr, the corporate informed CBC that “the monetary viability and sustainability” of its enterprise are in danger with out the Sable underground challenge, on condition that two of its three different kimberlite sources on the Ekati mine are ending within the subsequent few years. These embrace the Sable open pit, which is winding down this yr, and the Level Lake open pit in 2029.
Nonetheless, not too long ago drilling on the predominant Distress orebody has recommended that the Ekati mine life might lengthen so far as 2040, the corporate says.
Burgundy purchased the mine in 2023, however since then, it has confronted monetary pressured as a result of headwinds within the world diamond market.