Skip to content

Gahcho Kue suspends operations temporarily

Gahcho Kue Aerial_September 2016
"The last person diagnosed with Covid-19 during their employment at Gahcho Kué during this outbreak developed symptoms on Feb. 23," according to the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer. photo courtesy of De Beers

De Beers has temporarily suspended operations at Gahcho Kue Mine.

Earlier Saturday the company announed identification on Saturday of six presumptive cases of Covid-19 at the site.

As a result of the presumptive cases, 47 additional people identified through contact tracing are in quarantine at Gahcho Kue, according to company spokesperson Terry Kruger.

All individuals are asymptomatic and feeling well at this time, Kruger said. Tests have been sent to Stanton Territorial Hospital for confirmation.

“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, Feb. 6, until we determine a safe path forward," said mine general manager Lyndon Clark.

"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.”

There are currently 335 people at the mine site.

De Beers Group is working closely with its medical advisors and NWT Public Health to plan out the next steps, according to the release.