Diamond giant De Beers is contemplating the feasibility of expanding its Victor diamond mine on the James Bay Coast of northern Ontario, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reports. The diamond mine was the first of its kind in the province when it opened five years ago, and it is thought to still contain enough precious gems to continue its operations for another five years.

The diamond company is currently taking drill samples to determine the potential monetary value of stones buried in the surrounding area. It is also conducting an environmental assessment. If the economics pan out, De Beers could announce their intention and 18 months to expand the Victor mine, De Beers Canada director of external and corporate affairs Tom Ormsby said. And if a Victor extension project comes to fruition, it could portend a series of smaller pit mines in the surrounding area, according to the CBC.

But if De Beers does decide to pursue the expansion, it will have to negotiate with local First Nations bands. De Beers says it employs some 100 Attawapiskat band members, and purchases hundreds of millions of dollars in goods and services from community members. But half a year ago some band members blockaded the road leading to the mine for three weeks, as part of an indigenous protest movement called Idle No More which called for greater respect for aboriginal rights and environmental protection.