Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Rio Tinto Opens New Diamond Pipe at Diavik
The diamond mining news comes after a four-year construction period and $350 million investment.

London—In its latest diamond mining news, Rio Tinto has announced the opening of a fourth diamond pipe at the subarctic Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
The new open-pit pipe, known as A21, will be an important source for incremental supply for the next four years, the company said, so it is able to sustain production levels at the site.
The pipe is adjacent to Diavik’s existing mining operations at Lac de Gras.
The first ore from the site was delivered in March, and the pit is expected to be at full production during the fourth quarter of 2018.
This follows a four-year construction period and investment of about $350 million from Rio Tinto and joint venture partner Dominion Diamond Corporation, which Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds CEO Arnaud Soirat said reflects the “strong outlook” they see for the diamond industry.
“It is a remarkable achievement to deliver this project safely and ahead of time in such a challenging environment, positioning Diavik to continue meeting the demand for its outstanding diamonds,” he said.
The company celebrated the opening of A21 at an event held Monday, with Wally Schumann, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment with the Government of the Northwest Territories, as the guest of honor. Also in attendance were indigenous community representatives, joint venture partners and Rio Tinto employees.
The Diavik diamond mine is located 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) northeast of Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. It began production in 2003 and has been a fully underground mining operation since 2012, producing predominantly gem-quality diamonds.
The Latest

The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.

The “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.

Show off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.


The “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.

Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.

From sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.

The company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.

“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.

Notable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.

Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.

After experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.

It is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.

One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.

The retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.

Hill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.

London-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.

The workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.

The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.

Founder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.

The luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.

The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.

Alexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.

The superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.

Retailers should offer classic styles with a twist that are a perfect fit for layered looks, experts say.























