By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunavut News Global mining company Rio Tinto signed a Diavik diamond mine closure agreement with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association on Sept. 17 in Kugluktuk, Nunavut. The deal committed Rio Tinto to continue funding scholarship and cultural programs in the Nunavut region during the permanent closure process for the mine, 300 km northeast of Yellowknife. Currently, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association offers a maximum $1,500 scholarship for college students who stay in their community, a $2,000 scholarship for students who leave their community, and $5,000 for post-graduate studies. Most of that comes from the Rio Tinto Diavik Community Scholarship Fund, which offers $3,100 per student up to two times in their educational career. The mining company has social impact contracts with the Government of…
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