Case Study: Case Study: DiamondsDiamondsConflict or Conflict or

Community?Community?

What are we talking about?Diamonds conjure up feelings of importance and romance. They are known worldwide for their extravagance and perfection. There are only a small number of countries that are major diamond producers. Today we are going to look at 2 examples that are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

We will be investigating 2 different countries:

Canada and Sierra Leone

We will be investigating these countries in two different ways: through

1. Video

2. Text

You will demonstrate your understanding by answering the following questions, also found in your handout

We will ask ourselves, how does mining such a precious mineral affect the locals in the area of

the mine?

Compare and contrast the 2 diamond mines using the following 8 criteria:

1. Where are the mines/diamonds located?

2. How are they extracted?

3. Types of diamonds found

4. Types of workers and their treatment

5. What has the mine done for the lives of the locals?

6. Environmental implications

7. Positives to the mining

8. Negatives to the mining

Responsibility?

1. What is the government’s responsibility to the North when the diamond reserves dry up in 20 years? Think of the problems this could create and how the government could solve them.

2. Who is more responsible in Sierra Leone: the people for mining, the government for allowing/supporting or the diamond companies (DeBeers) for purchasing these blood diamonds?

Videos:

a) Diavik Diamond Mine, Yellowknife

b) Blood Diamonds –Sierra Leone

Articles:

i) Diamond Mining: Canada’s New “Boom” IndustryText pg 342-347

ii) Sierra Leone –Blood DiamondsHandout