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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
