Dominion Diamond Corporation has announced that it is relocating its corporate office from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to Calgary, Alberta as part of the measures taken to reduce operating costs and support the long-term strength of the Company. In a statement released yesterday, the Company said that the move is projected to be completed by the middle of calendar year 2017 and is expected to realize savings of approximately C$19 million annually.

Dominion reiterated its committment to continuing its ongoing operations at the Ekati mine without interruption, including the development of the Jay Project.

The Company said that the relocation will impact approximately 100 employees based in the NWT, though most of the workforce, including the majority of its northern Aboriginal employees, will continue to be employed in the region. In addition to its workforce at the Ekati mine site, Dominion Diamond will maintain an office in Yellowknife for certain key positions.

Brendan Bell, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Although this was not an easy decision, it is necessary to support the long-term strength and viability of our operations. The Ekati mine is a pillar of the NWT economy, and this cost reduction effort will allow us to continue to provide northern employment opportunities and benefits well into the future. I can assure our northern partners that we remain committed to the people and communities of the North and will continue to set industry standards for northern and Aboriginal employment and sustainable development.”