SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintySourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
Production fell 22 percent year-over-year to 740,000 carats in the first quarter at Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Editor’s note: This story was updated post-publication to include the names of those killed in the Jan. 23 plane crash.
London—Rio Tinto reported a 22 percent year-over-year drop in production in the first quarter at its sole remaining diamond operation, the Diavik Diamond Mine.
The mine produced 740,000 carats in Q1, compared with 954,000 in the first quarter of 2023.
Rio Tinto reported first-quarter results for Diavik last week alongside results for its iron ore, bauxite, aluminum, and copper operations.
The first thing the company mentioned in its news release was the January airplane crash that killed six and injured one.
“We have been deeply affected by the loss of four Diavik colleagues and two airline crew members in a plane crash in January,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said. “This tragedy has strengthened our resolve to never be complacent about safety.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop en route to the remote Diavik mine, crashed shortly after takeoff from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories on the morning of Jan. 23.
Related stories will be right here …
London—Rio Tinto reported a 22 percent year-over-year drop in production in the first quarter at its sole remaining diamond operation, the Diavik Diamond Mine.
The mine produced 740,000 carats in Q1, compared with 954,000 in the first quarter of 2023.
Rio Tinto reported first-quarter results for Diavik last week alongside results for its iron ore, bauxite, aluminum, and copper operations.
The first thing the company mentioned in its news release was the January airplane crash that killed six and injured one.
“We have been deeply affected by the loss of four Diavik colleagues and two airline crew members in a plane crash in January,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said. “This tragedy has strengthened our resolve to never be complacent about safety.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop en route to the remote Diavik mine, crashed shortly after takeoff from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories on the morning of Jan. 23.
The four Diavik workers killed in the crash have been identified as Diane Balsillie, Howard (Howie) Benwell, Joel Tetso, and Shawn Krawec, while the sole survivor was Kurt Macdonald.
Paszolo Alba was the airline crew member who was killed, while the second crew member hasn’t been publicly identified.
Rio Tinto said last week that it is continuing to work with Canadian authorities to determine the exact cause of the crash.
To grieve and honor the workers who died, the mine took a “production pause,” which led to the 22 percent year-over-year drop in production.
Quarter-to-quarter, production rose 12 percent from 659,000 carats mined in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Rio Tinto said continued production improvement from the A154 North underground pipe and ore development at the A21 underground project helped to offset the depletion of two ore bodies last year.
The company announced in March that it is going underground on the A21 pipe, a multi-million-dollar project that, if fully approved, will extend Diavik’s life into the first quarter of 2026.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
