Mining major Rio Tinto has cut down the number of companies participating in its Select Diamantaire program for 2012, from the previous 20 companies to 13 companies. The selected companies include: Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd. (Vancouver); Diambel N.V. (Antwerp); Dianco B.V.B.A. (Antwerp); Diarough N.V. (Antwerp); Dimexon Diamonds Ltd. (Mumbai); E. Schreiber, Inc. (New York); Gemmata N.V. (Antwerp); IDH Diamonds N.V. (Antwerp); Interjewel Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai); L&N Diamonds Ltd. (Israel); Laurelton Diamonds (Antwerp); Sheetal Group (Mumbai) and Venus Jewel (Mumbai).

These 13 companies are listed on the company’s website and will receive consistent supply from Rio Tinto’s three diamond mines – Argyle in Canada, its 60 percent stake in Diavik in Canada and its 78 percent share in Murowa in Zimbabwe.

As per Rio Tinto’s calendar of sales for 2012, there will be 10 core sales, five invitation-only sales, four opt-in sales for its Diavik production and two tender sales.

It may be recalled that the company’s diamond production fell 15% to 11,7 million carats in 2011.