05/31/2006. From local news sources via Doug Davidge: "The world's largest helicopter, en route from southern Russia to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, stopped in Whitehorse on Friday (May 5, 2006) evening to refuel. Diavik Diamond Mine is cutting an 1,102,311 lb (500 tonne) excavating shovel into pieces so it can be airlifted the 186 miles (300 km) from Yellowknife to the minesite by the giant Russian helicopter. It was the only solution for the mine's owners after an unusually warm winter forced the early closure of the ice road that links the Northwest Territories capital to remote mining sites to the north. It will take about six trips between Yellowknife and the mine to deliver the shovel pieces in crates."