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Rio Tinto Appoints New Head of Diavik Mine
Matthew Breen will take over as chief operating officer, succeeding Angela Biggs, the first woman to lead the mine.
An aerial shot of Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Rio Tinto announced that Angela Biggs will be stepping down as the mine’s president and chief operating officer. The mine’s current general manager of operations, Matthew Breen, will take over as COO.
Yellowknife, Canada—Angela Biggs is stepping down as president and chief operating officer of the Diavik Diamond Mine, Rio Tinto announced Thursday.
Biggs started at Diavik in November 2017 as vice president of finance for the mine.
She served as general manager of operations before Rio Tinto appointed her president and COO in December 2021.
Biggs was the first woman to run the mine and manage its 1,000-plus employees.
Rio Tinto said she will be taking a period of leave before returning to the company in a different role.
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Biggs started at Diavik in November 2017 as vice president of finance for the mine.
She served as general manager of operations before Rio Tinto appointed her president and COO in December 2021.
Biggs was the first woman to run the mine and manage its 1,000-plus employees.
Rio Tinto said she will be taking a period of leave before returning to the company in a different role.
Matthew Breen will replace Biggs as COO, effective Dec. 8.
Breen has worked as the general manager of operations at Diavik for the past year and a half after two decades of working at different mines all over the world.
He will lead Diavik and its 1,230 employees as they prepare to go underground on another pipe in order extend the mine’s life into early 2026.
“I am delighted that Matt will be leading the team at Diavik Diamond Mine as it continues to supply our customers with high quality, responsibly sourced Canadian diamonds, while preparing to leave a positive legacy in partnership with our community and government partners,” said Rio Tinto Minerals Chief Executive Sinead Kaufman.
“I would like to thank Angela for her six years at Diavik during which time she has shown strong leadership and care during challenging times.”
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