Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine has officially entered commercial production at its A21 underground mine, marking a significant milestone in the mine’s operations. The successful completion of Phase 1 of the A21 underground project comes after extensive development and construction efforts.
The company has also received approval for Phase 2 of the project, with an additional investment of $17 million. This expansion will allow Diavik to maximise the value of its known resources and extend operations closer to the mine’s closure.
The A21 underground mine involved the creation of over 1,800 meters of underground tunnels to access the orebody. Safety was a top priority throughout the construction process, resulting in zero lost-time injuries during the 20-month development period.
Matt Breen, Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mine, 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 2 is a testament to the excellent performance of our Diavik team in successfully developing the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit.”
In addition to the ongoing mining operations, Rio Tinto continues to invest in the closure and remediation of the Diavik mine site. This includes activities such as earthworks, site clean-up, equipment procurement, and other preparations for post-mining activities.
Diavik, fully owned and operated by Rio Tinto, is one of Canada’s largest diamond mines in terms of rough diamond production. Since its inception in 2003, the mine has produced over 144 million carats of rough diamonds. While commercial production is expected to conclude in 2026, the successful implementation of the A21 underground project will help to extend the mine’s operational life.