(IDEX Online) - Workers at Canada's Ekati mine have reportedly been fired, seven months after operations were suspended because of COVID-Dominion Diamond Mines filed for insolvency in April and announced last month that being it was being bought by associates of its parent company The Washington Companies. "While this was an incredibly difficult decision, we simply cannot responsibly stay fully staffed while the Ekati Diamond Mine remains on care and maintenance," said the company in an email, according to Canada's CBC News."All employees are being treated fairly and with respect, consistent with Dominion's values."Dominion temporarily laid off 380 workers. Some had their contracts terminated last week, with immediate effect, although neither the company nor the Union of Northern Workers disclosed how many jobs had been lost.Toronto-based Dominion, the world's third largest producer of rough diamonds by value, sold Ekati, (pictured) 300km northeast of Yellowknife, near Lac de Gras, Northwest Territories, in a $146m deal due to be completed in November.