TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
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
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
