Rio prolongs historic diamond mine

While the historic Diavik diamond mine is on its last legs, Rio Tinto is giving the operation one last push.

The A21 underground mine will be a key source of diamond production in the next two years before Rio intends to close up shop at Diavik at the end of 2026.

Rio has completed the development and construction of A21’s first phase, with the underground mine now moving into commercial production.

The major miner announced last year it had approved a $US40 million investment in the first phase of underground mining below the existing A21open-pit at Diavik.

The construction of the A21 underground mine involved the development of over 1800m of underground tunnels to access the orebody and begin underground production.

The first phase of underground mining at Diavik’s A21 pipe is expected to deliver an additional 1.4 million carats of rough diamonds.

The second phase of the A21 underground project was approved earlier this year via an additional $US17 million investment.

Rio Tinto said the project will enable Diavik to maximise its value from its known resources through to closure.

“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 Diavik diamond mine chief operating officer Matt Breen said.

“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.”

It comes as Rio Tinto recently conducted its second Beyond Rare diamond tender in London, showcasing 48 pieces from its diamonds business.

The collection is called ‘Colour Awakened’ and features seven ‘old masters’, which are historic pink and red diamonds from the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia that operated from 1983 to 2020.