SNC-Lavalin Awarded Contract in $1.3 Billion Diavik
Diamond Project
MARCH 13, 2000
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--Nishi-Khon/SNC-Lavalin has been awarded the
engineering and procurement services contract for the $1.3 billion
Diavik Diamonds Project located 300 kms northeast of Yellowknife
in the Northwest Territories. The joint venture between
SNC-Lavalin and Nishi-Khon Engineering Inc., a company of the
Dogrib Nation, provides the full range of engineering and
environmental services to the Dogrib Nation Group and to various
private sector and government clients throughout the Northwest
Territories. The value of the contract for SNC-Lavalin is
estimated at over $50 million.
When fully operational, Diavik will be the second largest diamond
mine in North America producing over six million carats per year
or about five per cent of total world production. Following the
recent signing of an environmental agreement with the Federal
Government, Diavik received authorization to prepare the project
site to receive construction materials over the seasonal winter
road.
"This contract represents a meaningful undertaking for the
Canadian mining industry," said Jacques Lamarre, President and
Chief Executive Officer of SNC-Lavalin. "This is an important
project for Canada's northern communities, generating significant
benefits for employment and business opportunities. Our
participation in this project reflects our commitment to
delivering services that create value for the communities in which
we work."
Work will be executed from SNC-Lavalin's Vancouver office,
supported by its Toronto and Montreal offices. SNC-Lavalin will
employ about 150 people during the engineering and procurement
phase. Programs have been initiated to identify work for people
with the necessary skills, as well as training programs to upgrade
the skills of local residents.
SNC-Lavalin Group is one of the leading engineering and
construction firms in the world, and a key player in the ownership
and management of infrastructure. The group and its companies
have offices across Canada and in 30 other countries, and are
currently working in some 100 countries. The company is listed on
the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: SNC). |
