Rio Tinto opened a fourth diamond pipe, known as A21, at the remote subarctic Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The new open pit pipe will provide an important source of incremental supply over the next four years to sustain production levels at the Rio Tinto operated mine.
Wally Schumann, minister of industry, tourism and investment with the government of the Northwest Territories, was the guest of honour at the inauguration that was attended by indigenous community representatives, joint venture partners and Rio Tinto employees.
The A21 pipe is located adjacent to Diavik’s existing mining operations at Lac de Gras. First ore was delivered in March this year and the pit is expected to be at full production during the fourth quarter of 2018, following a fouryear construction period and an investment of approximately $350 million, shared by Rio Tinto (60%) and joint venture partner Dominion Diamond Corporation (40%).
Rio Tinto Copper & Diamonds’ chief executive, Arnaud Soirat, said, “This investment to sustain production levels at Diavik reflects the strong outlook we 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.”
The Diavik diamond mine, located 300km northeast of Yellowknife, capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, began production in 2003 and has been a fully underground mining operation since 2012. The mine produces predominantly gem-quality diamonds destined for high-end jewellery in all major consumer markets around the world. Diavik president Patrick Boitumelo said, “This new pipe is great news for the Northwest Territories and will help to deliver economic and social benefits that will endure beyond the life of the Diavik mine.”