Canadian diamonds a 20% ownership of the mine, and since its discovery and start of operation in 1998, Ekati has produced over 40 million carats of diamonds. The discovery and later success of this diamond mine caught the attention of other major mining operations, and more massive mines were opened and fully operational within 10 years. Located approximately 53 miles southeast of the Snap Lake Diamond Mine, the Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine Project is one of the richest diamond mines in Canada with an expected lifespan of 11 years. It is estimated that 54,000,000 carats will be recovered during the mine's lifetime.
Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine for the Kennady Lake area and in Dene Suline means "Place of the Big Rabbit". The area, also known for Barren-ground Caribou, has been traditionally used by Dene from Lutselk'e and the Métis of Fort Resolution. In earlier times Tli Cho (Dogrib), also Dene, people used the area as well Gahcho Kue Diamond Mine The Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine is located on the Canadian tundra in the Northwest Territories. It is situated at Kennady Lake (), in the Akaitcho Treaty 8 Territory AK claim block, which is southeast of the Snap Lake Diamond Mine and approximately east northeast of Yellowknife.