Rio Tinto has made a significant discovery at its Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The mine has unearthed a 158.2-carat yellow diamond, marking the fifth yellow diamond over 100 carats found in the mine’s 22-year history. This remarkable find comes as the mine approaches its final operational year, with commercial production set to end by early 2026.
Located about 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife, Diavik is a remote operation situated on an island in Lac de Gras. The mine has faced unique challenges due to its subarctic environment and permafrost conditions. Despite these challenges, Diavik has produced over 140 million carats of rough diamonds since commercial operations began in 2003.
Most of Diavik’s diamond production consists of white gem-quality stones, with yellow diamonds making up less than 1% of the total yield. The rarity of yellow diamonds is due to the specific geological conditions required for their formation.
“This two-billion-year-old diamond is a testament to the skill and resilience of the people working in Diavik’s challenging environment,” said Matt Breen, Chief Operating Officer at Diavik.
Diavik has a history of producing large yellow diamonds. In 2018, it yielded a 552.74-carat yellow diamond, one of the largest in North America. The mine’s ability to uncover such rare gems has consistently exceeded expectations.
Patrick Coppens, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamond business, noted, “The beauty and purity of Diavik diamonds continue to captivate those who see them, and we look forward to following this special diamond’s journey.”
As Diavik enters its final operational phase, this latest discovery adds another notable achievement to its record. The mine’s closure work is already underway, marking the end of one of the North’s most technically challenging and productive diamond operations.
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