With operations at the Argyle Diamond mine undergoing a transition from open-cut to underground diamond mining Rio Tinto has sacked 121 workers at the mines. The company is noted to have plans to introduce state-of-the-art automated processes for the underground mining, and hence reduced the number of workers. The reductions are irrespective of the market slowdown, as per the company.

Eight-seven company employees and 34 contractors will be laid off at the East Kimberley diamond operation. To make up for the job loss, the company has guaranteed alternative employment for its employees through fly-in, fly-out jobs at its Pilbara iron ore mines.