SourcingAug 15, 2023
Lucara CEO Eira Thomas Replaced by William Lamb SourcingAug 17, 2023
Rio Tinto to Build Solar Plant to Help Power Diavik
The facility will have bi-facial panels, which generate energy from direct sunlight as well as the reflection from the snow.
Rio Tinto is building a solar power plant to provide electricity to the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Once constructed, it will help cut diesel consumption, reduce emissions, and provide up to 25 percent of the mine’s electricity.
Yellowknife, Canada—Rio Tinto announced this week it will construct a solar power plant to help power the final days of the Diavik Diamond Mine.
Slated to be the largest of its kind in Canada’s northern territories, the facility will have more than 6,600 solar panels that will generate about 4,200 megawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity for the mine a year.
The panels will be bi-facial, meaning they generate energy from both direct sunlight and light reflecting off the snow that covers the ground around Diavik for most of the year. The mine is in Canada’s Northwest Territories about 125 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
Construction on the plant will start in the coming weeks and it is expected to be fully functional in the first half of next year.
Once up and running, it will cut diesel consumption, reduce emissions, and provide up to 25 percent of the mine’s electricity during closure work that will run until 2029.
Diavik’s commercial production is expected to end in early 2026.
“I am delighted that we will be significantly increasing our renewable power generation with the largest solar power plant in Canada’s northern territories at the Diavik Diamond Mine,” said Angela Bigg, who took over as president and chief operating officer at the mine in December 2021.
“Through its wind-diesel hybrid power facility, Diavik is already a leader in cold-climate renewable technology and this important project reinforces our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint.”
The Government of the Northwest Territories gave $3.3 million Canadian dollars ($2.4 million) toward the construction of the plant through its Large Emitters GHG Reducing Investment Grant program, while CA$600,000 (approximately $443,000) came from the Canadian government’s Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit.
Diavik is working with the local government and community partners to determine how the plant can benefit the region once the diamond mine is closed.
Rio Tinto is working on decarbonization at its operations worldwide, with the goal of reducing Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2023 and having net zero emissions across its operations by 2050.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Recorded WebinarsSep 29, 2023
The Lab-Grown Diamond Market: Where Are We Now?Watch as Edahn Golan, Sherry Smith and Avi Levy join Michelle Graff to talk pricing and trends in this controversial corner of the market.
CollectionsSep 29, 2023
Piece of the Week: Sonya K’s Versatile Necklace A classic diamond tennis necklace gets a whole lot cooler with a removable pendant.
EditorsSep 28, 2023
The Gemstone World Is In Its Unique Cut EraAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently spoke with Columbia Gem House’s Eric Braunwart about the uptick in non-traditional gemstone cuts.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
MajorsSep 28, 2023
Signet-Owned Rocksbox Now Sells Pre-Owned Fine Jewelry“Pre-Owned Luxury by Rocksbox” offers secondhand jewelry from Kay, Zales, and Jared to members and non-members.
Weekly QuizSep 29, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
CrimeSep 28, 2023
Have You Seen Jewels Like These? The British Museum Wants to KnowThe museum is asking for the public’s help in finding thousands of pieces of ancient gold jewelry and gemstones stolen from a storeroom.
MajorsSep 28, 2023
The Kingswood Co. Names New VP, Wins AwardThe company was recognized for one of its private-label, consumer-focused jewelry care lines.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
AuctionsSep 27, 2023
Antique Jewels Shine at Bonhams LondonA rare Chaumet necklace and 20th-century sapphire ring sold for double their estimates.
SurveysSep 27, 2023
Consumer Confidence Falls in September Amid Rising Recession Fears Shoppers also expressed concern about rising prices, higher interest rates, and political uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 27, 2023
PGI to Dole Out $500K in Business Grant Program Participants from the first round of grants saw up to a 900 percent increase in their platinum sales.
WatchesSep 26, 2023
Citizen Launches the Tsuki-Yomi A-T TimepieceAccording to the watchmaker, it features the first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.
IndependentsSep 26, 2023
Sally Nelson, Founder of Exclusively Diamonds, Dies at 86The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
2023 Spectrum Awards Entry Deadline ExtendedThe contest is now open for submissions until Oct. 10.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
Instore Announces Dates for 2024 Show The annual event will return to Rosemont, Illinois next August.
SurveysSep 26, 2023
Mastercard Makes Its 2023 Holiday PredictionAccording to SpendingPulse, retail sales will increase in November and December but not necessarily for jewelers.
CrimeSep 25, 2023
Oregon Jeweler Accused of Selling Lab-Grown Diamonds as NaturalPolice say Douglas Wayne Gamble also swapped natural diamonds for synthetic stones and failed to return customers’ repairs.
CollectionsSep 25, 2023
Neil Lane’s Latest Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds The designer just launched a new bridal range at Kay Jewelers.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Hearts On Fire Taps Mejuri Exec as CCOYunjo Lee has also worked on collections for Tiffany & Co. with Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Second Generation Takes On New Roles at Sylvie JewelrySteve Levine joins the family-owned company, while his brother Gary has a new position.
MajorsSep 22, 2023
David Yurman Alleges These Two Companies Copied Its DesignsThe company has filed complaints against Royal Chain and Samuel B.
TrendsSep 22, 2023
Piece of the Week: Yun Yun Sun’s ‘Puzzle’ Ring The two-stone style benefits from two-toned metal.
Events & AwardsSep 22, 2023
HardRock Summit To Relocate In 2024The event is moving just outside of Denver.
WatchesSep 21, 2023
Timex Wants Your Old WatchThe company just rolled out “Timex Rewound,” a new takeback and resale program.
GradingSep 21, 2023
Retailers Warned About Fraudulent Email Purportedly From GIA The lab confirmed it did not send the message.
AuctionsSep 21, 2023
Hindman Appoints New SVP, Director of Jewelry and WatchesReginald Brack has worked at StockX and Christie’s.
SourcingSep 21, 2023
Natural Diamond Council’s Latest Campaign With Lily James Is Here The second installment of “To Treasure Now and Forever” is intended to emphasize diamonds’ versatility.
