An organization in the Northwest Territories is considering suspending the water license of the entity managing the Ekati diamond mine due to unauthorized waste disposal. The Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board has notified the territory’s environment minister about concerns regarding PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Inc. disposing of emulsion, a substance used for blasting, into the Long Lake containment facility at the Ekati site against directives.
PwC took over as the receiver of the mine following a lack of buyer interest earlier this year when the parent company, Arctic Canadian Diamond Company, sought creditor protection. Despite clear instructions from the Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board against emulsion disposal, PwC allegedly continued the practice, citing approval from a government inspector and the previous owner’s past actions.
The board expressed dismay over PwC’s disregard for directives, stating that this non-compliance jeopardizes its water license terms. The board is contemplating suspending the water license, which would halt activities at the Ekati site. Additionally, a public hearing on the matter may be convened.
As the court-appointed receiver, PwC is responsible for upholding essential operations at the Ekati site and ensuring environmental safety. The Wek’èezhìi Land and Water Board is seeking a meeting with environment department officials to address the situation, verify the extent of emulsion disposal, and clarify the authorization given by the government inspector. NWT Environment Minister Jay Macdonald mentioned ongoing discussions to address the concerns raised before making further comments.