Diavik mine achieves milestone in its underground mining operations

The underground operations have produced one million tonnes of ore
Diavik mine achieves milestone in its underground mining operations

Rio Tinto noted that its operations at the Diavik Diamond mine have achieved a milestone in the transition of the mine to underground mining. The Diavik mine’s underground operations have produced one million tonnes of ore in sub-arctic conditions. The feat was accomplished on April 23rd, 2012. The Diavik mine is located in remote Northwest Territories of Canada.

Diavik President and Chief Operating Officer Niels Kristensen said, “These are exciting times at Diavik and this is an accomplishment shared by our workforce and partners. Most importantly, we can celebrate reaching this milestone in a manner that has always put safety first.”

Rio Tinto is the operator and owner of 60 percent stake in the mine. Production from Diavik’s underground mine commenced in early 2010 in parallel with open pit operations. The transition to a fully underground operation will be complete in 2012 and will sustain Diavik production well past 2020.

Niels Kristensen added that, “The diamonds unearthed at Diavik are amongst the best white gem diamonds produced in the world today. We have seen and continue to see, strong demand for Diavik diamonds in both established and emerging markets.”

The one million ore production demonstrates the successful future that awaits Diavik as a fully fledged underground mine. The preparations for the underground mining at Diavik, entailed years of design and engineering feasibility work, and over C$800 million of funds from Rio Tinto and its 40 percent joint venture partner in the mine - Harry Winston.


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