This aerial image shows the construction of the Bulk Sampling Plant where the huge bags of kimberlite samples (in top of image) are being processed to get an idea of the quantity and quality of diamonds in the sample. (Star Diamond Corp.)

By Glenn Hicks

diamonds in the deep rough

COVID-19 prompts slowdown at diamond exploration project

Apr 4, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The legal dispute between Rio Tinto and its partners Star Diamond Corp., at the huge diamond exploration project east of Prince Albert has not stopped operations. However, the COVID-19 situation has resulted in a slowdown on site.

In a media release this week, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada (RTEC) said it was taking measures to safely continue to operate the FalCon Project, in light of the escalating pandemic.

It said, in part, that it had reduced activities. The measures included asking all employees and contractors to not go to work if they feel unwell or believe they have been exposed to the virus, self-isolation for anyone who has recently travelled, and increased cleaning and communication on hygiene.

Extra measures, including the closure of the site to all non-essential personnel and visitors, have been in place since last month, the release said.

As a result of the reduction in activity the Bulk Sampling Plant (BSP) – which separates the diamonds from the kimberlites that have been drilled out of ten huge trenches – will be operating at a slower pace with minimal personnel, the company said. It added only essential personnel would operate the BSP and security services would remain on site.

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Rio Tinto told paNOW in an email the plant and other activities were still ongoing despite their legal dispute with Star Diamond Corp. The partners are embroiled in court proceedings over Star Diamond’s claims the mining giant has, among other things, breached their options agreement, racked up excessive costs, and failed to offer information regarding the diamonds that have been extracted. The two companies have filed a joint request in the court in Regina for a Case Management order so that their dispute can be dealt with speedily given what’s at stake. The project has a preliminary value of $2 billion.

It was not immediately clear to what extent the slowdown in operations of the Bulk Sampling Plant would delay the release of information regarding the value of the diamonds that have been extracted to date.

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow