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De Beers diamond project boss praised by many

Timmins representatives and De Beers Canada executives saluted and praised Jeremy Wyeth, the outgoing vice-president of operations for the completed Victor diamond mine, now in production near Attawapiskat.
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Outgoing Victor project vice-president Jeremy Wyeth was feted by Timmins economic development head Dave McGirr for his contribution to the city's and the region's booming economy.

Timmins representatives and De Beers Canada executives saluted and praised Jeremy Wyeth, the outgoing vice-president of operations for the completed Victor diamond mine, now in production near Attawapiskat.

Wyeth is moving on to a new project in Russia.

Finished nine months ahead of schedule, Ontario’s first diamond mine celebrated its success with a reception in Timmins in late July after its grand opening the previous weekend.

Words of admiration and thanks were abundant as De Beers’ employees and City of Timmins representatives shared their thoughts on the economic benefits the diamond mine has brought to local businesses.

What's been described by many as 'history in the making', the mine is located in Ontario’s harsh northland 90 kilometres west of Attawapiskat, a small community on the James Bay coast. With more than $1 billion invested to build the mine, approximately 1,100 people were employed during the construction phase from February 2006 to the summer 2008.

About 375 permanent positions are being created during the mining and processing operations.

The mine has an estimated life of 12 years with a total project life of 17 years. Annual production of diamonds is 600,000 carats, or 2.7 million tonnes per year.

NDP MPP Gilles Bisson applauded the company’s decision to have First Nations people on side throughout all stages of the project and described the Victor project as a “good example of doing it well.”

Timmins Deputy Mayor Steve Adams offered words of appreciation with the positive impact the mine has had on the city’s booming economy. Further congratulations came forth from Timmins Chamber of Commerce past president Marilyn Wood and Timmins Economic Development Corporation president Dave McGirr.

Recognizing the scope and complexity of the Victor project, McGirr commended Wyeth’s ability to build internal community capacity with his strong leadership skills and guidance. He added Wyeth’s will to make things happen in a compassionate and caring way led to the successful collaboration with Northern Ontario communities and First Nations groups.

Former Timmins mayor Vic Power praised Wyeth’s drive and sincerity to make the project a reality.

On a personal level, De Beers executive employees who worked with Wyeth shared personal growth experiences and achievements influenced by their former boss.

Showered with Northern Ontario memorabilia, Wyeth acknowledged the team’s integrity and personal commitment to the project as well as the importance of working with the communities.

“What we have all accomplished as a team thus far has set new standards for our industry,” Wyeth said in a recent company report. De Beers Canada proudly touts a project as being delivered under budget, nine months ahead of schedule, and with four million hours of no lost-time injuries since the start of construction. That remarkable feat has carried over into operations now running at full capacity.