SourcingNov 18, 2021
Scientists Found This New Deep-Earth Mineral Trapped in a DiamondSourcingNov 19, 2021
Rio Tinto’s Now the Sole Owner of Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine
It had previously owned 60 percent, partnering with Dominion Diamond Mines.
Rio Tinto is now the sole owner of the Diavik Diamond Mine, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Yellowknife, Canada—Rio Tinto is now the sole owner of Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine, located in the Northwest Territories.
The company previously owned 60 percent of the mine and operated it. Dominion Diamond Mines owned the remaining 40 percent.
In April 2020, Dominion was granted insolvency protection under the Canadian Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Dominion sold its other diamond mine, the nearby Ekati, in February 2021 and now, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta has approved the sale of its stake in Diavik to Rio Tinto.
Under the terms of the transaction, Rio Tinto has acquired all remaining assets held by Dominion, including unsold Diavik production and cash collateral held as security for the costs involved in closing the mine in the future.
Rio Tinto has, in return, released Dominion and its lenders from all outstanding liabilities and obligations.
Related stories will be right here …
The company previously owned 60 percent of the mine and operated it. Dominion Diamond Mines owned the remaining 40 percent.
In April 2020, Dominion was granted insolvency protection under the Canadian Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
Dominion sold its other diamond mine, the nearby Ekati, in February 2021 and now, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta has approved the sale of its stake in Diavik to Rio Tinto.
Under the terms of the transaction, Rio Tinto has acquired all remaining assets held by Dominion, including unsold Diavik production and cash collateral held as security for the costs involved in closing the mine in the future.
Rio Tinto has, in return, released Dominion and its lenders from all outstanding liabilities and obligations.
Rio Tinto has operated Diavik since production began in 2003.
The mine is located approximately 186 miles northeast of Yellowknife and employs more than 1,100 people. In 2020, it produced 6.2 million carats of rough diamonds.
Production at Diavik is expected to end in 2025.
Rio Tinto also owned and operated the famed Argyle mine in Australia, which closed last year.
The company said it will retain and manage the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand through a proprietary Argyle pink diamonds trading platform, certification processes, and creative collaborations with its partners.
“Diamonds remain an attractive business for Rio Tinto to be in.” — Sinead Kaufman, Rio Tinto Minerals
Rio Tinto is also the majority owner and manager of a joint venture with Star Diamond Corp., which conducts exploration activities at the FalCon project in central Saskatchewan, Canada, and has signed an exploration joint venture agreement with Endiama, the national diamond mining company of Angola, to evaluate the Chiri kimberlite in the Lunda Sul Province of Angola.
“Diamonds remain an attractive business for Rio Tinto to be in,” said Sinead Kaufman, CEO of Rio Tinto Minerals.
“The market fundamentals for diamonds are robust and we will continue to close Argyle responsibly, retain and manage the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand, operate our high quality, 100-percent owned Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada, and are investing in exploration around the world.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
