Yellowknife, Canada – Angela Biggs is stepping down as president and chief operating officer of the Diavik diamond mine, Rio Tinto announced Thursday.
Biggs joined Diavik in November 2017 as the mine’s vice president of finance.
She served as general manager of operations before Rio Tinto appointed her president and COO in December 2021.
Biggs was the first woman to lead the mine and manage its more than 1,000 employees.
Rio Tinto said she will take a leave of absence before returning to the company in a different role.
Matthew Breen will replace Biggs as COO with effect from 8 December.
Breen has been general manager of operations at Diavik for the past year and a half, following two decades of mining experience around the world.
He will lead Diavik and its 1,230 employees as it prepares to move another pipe underground to extend the mine’s life into early 2026.
“I am delighted that Matt will be leading the team at Diavik Diamond Mine as we continue to supply our customers with high quality, responsibly sourced Canadian diamonds, while preparing to leave a positive legacy in partnership with our community and government partners,” said Rio Tinto Minerals Chief Executive Sinead Kaufman.
“I would like to thank Angela for her six years at Diavik, during which time she has shown strong leadership and diligence during challenging times.”
