CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ StarThe “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.
SourcingJan 25, 2024
6 Killed in Plane Crash En Route to Diavik Diamond Mine
Four of those who died in Tuesday’s crash were workers at the mine, while two were airline crew members.
Six people were killed and one survived after a plane carrying workers to the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories (pictured) crashed shortly after takeoff Tuesday.
Yellowknife, Canada—Six people were killed Tuesday when a plane bound for the remote Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories crashed shortly after takeoff.
Rio Tinto, which operates the mine, said four of the individuals on board were workers at the mine while two were airline crew members.
Another Rio Tinto team member survived the crash and was treated at local hospitals.
“We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said in a statement released Wednesday.
“I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. I am heading to the Northwest Territories to be with our team and to offer our full support. We will be working closely with authorities over the coming days, weeks and months, to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd., crashed shortly after taking off from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories at 6:42 a.m. MST on Tuesday.
According to a report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB), the aircraft “collided with terrain” shortly after takeoff, which caused a fire.
It crashed on the banks of the Slave River, less than a mile from the end of the runway.
A TSB spokesman said Wednesday that a team of four investigators are currently on-site at Fort Smith Airport collecting data, interviewing witnesses, and examining and photographing the wreckage and accident site.
He said the organization cannot share any additional information at this time.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the coroner’s office, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have notified the family members of the six people killed in the crash, though the names of the victims have not yet been released.
On Wednesday evening, the town of Fort Smith held a candlelight vigil for those lost in the crash, writing in the open invitation posted on its Facebook page, “The recent loss of many of our friends or family members on a flight to the diamond mine has hit all of us very hard. That’s why we gather tonight. We can comfort each other by prayer, song, and our heartfelt thoughts.”
The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly flew its flags at half-mast Wednesday as a sign of respect and mourning for the victims of the crash and their families.
Assembly Speaker the Hon. Shane Thompson wrote, “This is devastating for Forth Smith and the territory as a whole.
“We will grieve this loss together. This tragedy will have a lasting impact on all our friends and family across the NWT.”
The Diavik Diamond Mine is located about 300 km (190 miles) from Yellowknife, the capital and largest city in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and is only about 200 km (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle.
Because of the mine’s remote location, Rio Tinto has workers transported in and out via chartered flights.
Rio Tinto, which operates the mine, said four of the individuals on board were workers at the mine while two were airline crew members.
Another Rio Tinto team member survived the crash and was treated at local hospitals.
“We are feeling numb with the devastating news that we have lost dear friends and colleagues,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said in a statement released Wednesday.
“I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who have been affected by this tragedy. I am heading to the Northwest Territories to be with our team and to offer our full support. We will be working closely with authorities over the coming days, weeks and months, to support their efforts to understand the full facts of what has happened.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd., crashed shortly after taking off from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories at 6:42 a.m. MST on Tuesday.
According to a report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB), the aircraft “collided with terrain” shortly after takeoff, which caused a fire.
It crashed on the banks of the Slave River, less than a mile from the end of the runway.
A TSB spokesman said Wednesday that a team of four investigators are currently on-site at Fort Smith Airport collecting data, interviewing witnesses, and examining and photographing the wreckage and accident site.
He said the organization cannot share any additional information at this time.
According to a statement issued Wednesday by the coroner’s office, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have notified the family members of the six people killed in the crash, though the names of the victims have not yet been released.
On Wednesday evening, the town of Fort Smith held a candlelight vigil for those lost in the crash, writing in the open invitation posted on its Facebook page, “The recent loss of many of our friends or family members on a flight to the diamond mine has hit all of us very hard. That’s why we gather tonight. We can comfort each other by prayer, song, and our heartfelt thoughts.”
The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly flew its flags at half-mast Wednesday as a sign of respect and mourning for the victims of the crash and their families.
Assembly Speaker the Hon. Shane Thompson wrote, “This is devastating for Forth Smith and the territory as a whole.
“We will grieve this loss together. This tragedy will have a lasting impact on all our friends and family across the NWT.”
The Diavik Diamond Mine is located about 300 km (190 miles) from Yellowknife, the capital and largest city in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and is only about 200 km (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle.
Because of the mine’s remote location, Rio Tinto has workers transported in and out via chartered flights.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ RingShow some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored GemsColored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting EdgeAGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 13, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 CatalogMore than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s DayThis curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement RingsFasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of TreesThe “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas EmissionsLate last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment ServiceThe secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's DayThe limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond DistrictOne of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ WatchThe brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond CollectionThe jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New CollectionThe collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to NashvilleThe trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ CharmFrom the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another WritedownThe moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.
