Rio Tinto has unearthed one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada, from its Diavik diamond mine. The 158.20-carat rough diamond was discovered at Diavik located 200km south of the Arctic Circle in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada.
It is one of only five yellow diamonds weighing more than 100 carats ever unearthed at Diavik in its 22-year history. Diavik’s production primarily consists of white gem quality diamonds, with less than 1% of its production yielding rare yellow diamonds.
Diavik diamond mines Chief Operating Officer Matt Breen said, “This two billion year old, natural Canadian diamond, is a miracle of nature and testament to the skill and fortitude of all the men and women who work in Diavik’s challenging sub-Arctic environment.”