PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Mining major Rio Tinto has donated C$250 000 to the United Way Northwest Territories (UWNWT) to support with wildfire response efforts in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Canada is facing one of its worst-ever fire seasons, with an estimated 13.7-million hectares burned so far this year. More than 20 000 people have been evacuated from the Canadian city of Yellowknife.
The money donated will directly assist registered charities to address immediate crisis requirements, with an emphasis on essential needs such as food, fuel and other critical incidentals for Northwest Territories communities and evacuees.
“At Diavik, we understand the importance of community resilience and timely support. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted, which includes many of our own employees. This contribution is a testament to our long-standing commitment to supporting our communities, especially when they need it the most. Our partnership with the United Way will help ensure that the necessary resources promptly reach those in dire need,” Diavik diamond mine president and COO Angela Bigg said.
Under Rio’s parameters, registered charities are able to apply for the funding, however, individual recipients are not eligible.
The miner said on Friday that it would continue to monitor the situation and evaluate the needs of the communities, as well as our employees and contractors.