The Ice Road

The ice road is something to behold in the Barren Lands of the North.  It is the key to the Diavik Diamond Mine’s operation in the remote Canadian wilderness, stretching approximately 600 kilometres. The Diavik Mine is located at kilometre 353 of the road. Approximately 75 per cent of the ice road consists of frozen lakes and ponds. There are approximately 75 portages.

The ice road was built by a joint venture of mining companies operating in the area, and shared by many users, from exploration companies to tourism outfitters and Aboriginal hunters of the region. This seasonal winter road is only open for eight to ten weeks each year, from February to April, and must be constructed annually to service mines in the area.

The road is capable of withstanding high levels of traffic; during the two years of mine construction, Diavik transported over 7,000 truckloads of fuel, construction material, cement, bentonite, explosive,s and reinforcing steel to the mine site. In 2008, Diavik transported 4,174 loads (138,051 tonnes) to the site. Combined usage of the road in 2008 was 8,366 loads (261,270 tonnes). For 2009, it is estimated that a total of 3,400 loads (approximately 115,000 tonnes) will be shipped over the winter road.

Travel time on the ice road is generally around 15 hours, though it can be as high as 19 hours for heavy loads. Speed on the road is carefully controlled to protect the ice.

For further information on the ice road refer to the Joint Venture website.