SourcingJul 17, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Diamond Production Down 28% in Q2SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s Life
Commercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
A sampling of rough diamonds from the Diavik Diamond Mine, which is located in Canada’s Northwest Territories and owned by Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto just announced that commercial production has begun underground at the mine’s A21 pipe.
Yellowknife, Canada—The first phase of commercial production has begun at Diavik’s A21 underground mine, Rio Tinto announced late last week.
The A21 pipe opened in 2018. It was the last pipe commissioned at the Diavik Diamond Mine and has operated as an open-pit mine, until now.
The transition to underground production will be rolled out in two phases.
Rio Tinto approved the first phase in February 2023, investing $40 million in the project.
It authorized the second phase earlier this year, sinking an additional $17 million into underground operations at A21.
Rio Tinto said the construction of the A21 underground mine involved the development of more than 1,800 meters (a little over a mile) of underground tunnels to access the orebody.
It noted there were no lost-time injuries during the 20 months it took to construct the tunnels.
Diavik Chief Operating Officer Matt Breen said, “The A21 underground operation is positive news for our employees, partners, suppliers, and local communities in the Northwest Territories, as it will enable operations to continue through to closure.
“Rio Tinto’s decision to proceed with phase two is a testament to the excellent performance of our Diavik team in successfully developing the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit.”
Related stories will be right here …
The A21 pipe opened in 2018. It was the last pipe commissioned at the Diavik Diamond Mine and has operated as an open-pit mine, until now.
The transition to underground production will be rolled out in two phases.
Rio Tinto approved the first phase in February 2023, investing $40 million in the project.
It authorized the second phase earlier this year, sinking an additional $17 million into underground operations at A21.
Rio Tinto said the construction of the A21 underground mine involved the development of more than 1,800 meters (a little over a mile) of underground tunnels to access the orebody.
It noted there were no lost-time injuries during the 20 months it took to construct the tunnels.
Diavik Chief Operating Officer Matt Breen said, “The A21 underground operation is positive news for our employees, partners, suppliers, and local communities in the Northwest Territories, as it will enable operations to continue through to closure.
“Rio Tinto’s decision to proceed with phase two is a testament to the excellent performance of our Diavik team in successfully developing the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit.”
Located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, less than 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the Diavik Diamond Mine opened in 2003 and has produced more than 144 million carats of diamonds in the 21 years since.
It is one of three remaining active diamond mines in Canada, alongside Ekati (owned by Burgundy Diamond Mines) and Gahcho Kué (owned by De Beers Group).
Diavik consists of four kimberlite pipes: the aforementioned A21, plus A154 North, A154 South, and A418.
The original life-of-mine plan for Diavik forecast that it would close in 2025, but the two phases of underground mining at A21 are expected to extend the mine’s life into the first quarter of 2026.
Meanwhile, Rio Tinto said it’s begun investing in Diavik’s closure and remediation of the land, focusing on site clean-up, equipment procurement, and other closure readiness efforts.
Earlier this year, the company announced it had completed construction on a solar power plant at Diavik that will provide as much as 25 percent of the power the mine will need for closure work.
The plant’s solar panels are bi-facial, meaning they generate energy from both direct sunlight and light reflecting off snow, which covers the ground in that area most of the year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
