PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Mining giant Rio Tinto has confirmed that it would cut some 78 contractors from the workforce at its Argyle diamond mine to lower its costs.
A spokesperson told Mining Weekly Online that the contractors were part of a temporary construction workforce providing administrative, advisory and mining services roles to the Argyle project, in Western Australia.
“This decision is a continuation of our approach to focus on costs, drive for improved efficiencies and transition to a fully underground mining operation,” the spokesperson said.
The cut-backs come shortly after the mining major took a decision to retain its diamond business, after a strategic review concluded it was the best option.
Rio Tinto announced the diamond business strategic review in March last year soon after BHP Billiton also announced that its diamond businesses were up for sale. BHP sold its diamond business to Dominion Diamond Corp, formerly Harry Winston, in November.
Rio is the sole owner of the Argyle mine, holds a 60% interest in the Diavik mine, in Canada, and has a 78% interest in the Murowa operation, in Zimbabwe.