PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diversified miner Rio Tinto has opened the fourth diamond pipe at its Diavik diamond mine, in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
The A21 openpit pipe will provide an important source of incremental supply over the next four years to sustain production levels at the mine, Rio said on Tuesday.
The A21 pipe is located adjacent to Diavik’s existing mining operations at Lac de Gras, and first ore was delivered in March. The pit is expected to be at full production during the fourth quarter of 2018, following a four year construction period and an investment of approximately $350-million, shared by Rio, which holds a 60% interest, and joint venture partner Dominion Diamond Corporation, which holds the balance.
“This investment to sustain production levels at Diavik reflects the strong outlook we see for the diamond industry,” Rio’s copper & diamonds CEO Arnaud Soirat said.
“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 300 km 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.