​De Beers Canada Inc. (De Beers) owns the Snap Lake Mine, a underground diamond mine located approximately 220 Km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Regulatory authorizations for construction and operation of the mine were granted in May 2004 following environmental assessment, and construction began in April 2005. Operation of the mine commenced in 2007 and is planned to continue until 2028. Year round access to the site is available by aircraft from Yellowknife. The site is accessible in winter by 35km of winter road connecting the mine to the Tibbit-Contwoyto Winter Road.  

 As of December 4, 2015 the Mine entered into Care and Maintenance.   The length of the care and maintenance may be up to 3 years or more, dependent on market conditions. As part of the on-going evaluation, De Beers will explore the options for:  1) Reopening the mine;  2) Optimization of the care and maintenance activities for an extended period ensuring viable options remain open; or  3) Final Closure of the Snap Lake Mine.   As part of the optimization of the on-going care and maintenance activities, De Beers will actively seek to reduce the impacts to the environment. In 2016, De Beers completed flooding of the Underground Mine. Any substantial alterations of this Care and Maintenance Plan will be filed for stakeholder comment and MVLWB approval prior to implementing. The current ECM plan is appended to this submission.   De Beers during care and maintenance shall:  
Ensure the occupational health and safety program at Snap Lake Mine will be maintained for short and long-term temporary closure.  Ensure Roads essential for continuous safety and inspection will be maintained. Safety mobile equipment will remain operational; and,   Ensure only authorized personnel will have access to the site;   Ensure Safety/security personnel will be on site 24 hours providing constant coverage to the site;  Access to the main portal by trained, qualified and authorized personnel during care and maintenance will continue for the on-going maintenance and management of the underground mine dewatering;   Secure site buildings and infrastructure against vandalism;   Ensure appropriate warning signage remains in place at the sites;  Ensure the winter access road traffic kept to a minimum to meet Site requirements;