To further reduce the risk of COVID-19 to its workforce and local communities, Rio Tinto is expanding its testing program at the Diavik diamond mine by introducing both point of pickup and mid- rotation COVID-19 testing for workers.

Diavik piloted rapid antigen testing in Edmonton on February 11 for southern workers boarding flights to the mine, before rolling out the measure in Halifax, Kitchener-Waterloo, Winnipeg and Vancouver on February 22. Results are received within 15 minutes, allowing medical professionals to identify and isolate presumptive positive cases, including asymptomatic individuals, before they travel to the mine.

In addition, Diavik introduced mid-rotation onsite PCR testing at the mine on February 19 for all workers. All other precautionary measures including PCR testing on arrival and prior to departure, health screening, physical distancing, increased hygiene measures and the use of facial barriers are still in effect.

Diavik Diamond Mine president and COO Richard Storrie said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to protect our people and communities, and this testing will add a further layer to the robust precautionary measures we already have in place at Diavik. We will continue to support the public health response that has been put in place by the Northwest Territories government, including vaccination efforts.”