Readers of the international trade publication Mining Magazine have named the De Beers Canada Victor diamond mine "2009 Mine of the Year."



The award was announced at the Mining Magazine Centenary Awards Gala, which was held in Canada for the first time at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. De Beers Canada’s President & CEO Jim Gowans and Victor mine general manager, Peter Mah, were presented with the award.



Gowan stated: "The Victor diamond mine safely opened ahead of schedule, under budget and reached full production in just six months, which is quite an accomplishment for Ontario's first diamond mine."



Mah stated: "This award is recognition of the dedication and commitment of our employees, business partners and community partners. We are tremendously excited about the future of the Victor diamond mine and look forward to working with our partners to build that future."