Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a similar approach that we have with BHP has been worked on with regard to Diavik Diamond Mines as well as De Beers. There are varying degrees of success, Mr. Speaker.
With specific regard to Diavik Diamond Mines, this government had already initiated, in the summer of 1999, they entered into an MOU with Diavik Diamond Mines over support to the diamond value-added industry. The discussion was on a supply of rough diamonds that would run parallel with Diavik Diamond Mines developing their own plans for marketing the rough diamonds. In February of last year, this government requested information from Diavik towards the establishment of this industry.
In 2001, Rio Tinto established RT Diamonds in Antwerp. RT Diamonds is responsible for marketing Rio Tinto diamonds produced at Diavik. RT Diamonds has indicated a willingness to work with the government on fulfilling the value-added commitments and also addressing the GNWT issues.
We are working with Diavik according to our MOU. There is commitment there on their part to supply approximately the same amount of diamonds that are available from BHP.
As well, we have been working with Aber, who is also involved in the Diavik project, to provide rough diamonds. There is positive discussion at this point in time. As you know, in April of next year, Diavik will be in full production, so we have some work to do at this point in time.
In regard to the De Beers operation at Snap Lake, they are into the regulatory process at this point in time. Our Premier has met with the people in De Beers in London when he went on this European trip and was not able to get the type of commitments with regard to the supply of rough diamonds as we did from BHP, as well as the commitments we are working on with Diavik.
We have some way to go with De Beers. I think there are still some options available to us as we deal with this. If they are not willing to come to the table, similar to the other diamond mines here in the North, they are still in their regulatory process. I understand that through the regulatory process, there are socio-economic agreements that they have to reach, so we have some options there.
We would like to leave it at that. We hope they come to the table with similar types of arrangements as we have with these other two diamond mines. Thank you.