Canadian diamonds are not only subject to social conflict through the disagreements between indigenous communities and those that seek to profit through diamond mining, but also to increasing environmental concerns.
“While Canadian diamonds are not in the same realm as blood diamonds, Amnesty International's Tara Scurr says that people who think Canadian diamonds are squeaky clean are often unaware of the human rights and environmental issues involved.
‘The draining of lakes and the destruction of habitat is a very serious concern for people in the north and for all of us,’ says Scurr.
Work started on the Victor mining project, De Beers first diamond mine in Ontario, earlier this year. Set in a pristine region near James Bay that previously had no industrial development, the open pit mine will cover an area of 5,000 hectares. But because of dewatering--the pumping of water out of the mine pit--a further 260,000 hectares will be impacted, according to Mining Watch Canada.”
- Canadian Diamonds Not Conflict-Free, Joan Delaney, Epoch Times Victoria, Dec 15, 2006
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