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
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
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.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
