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.

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.
The Latest

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.


The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.

National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.

The winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.

Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.