After more than two decades of production, Rio Tinto has officially ended operations at its Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter that yielded over 150 million carats of rough diamonds.
Located beneath the icy waters of Lac de Gras, the mine was first discovered in 1991 and began production in 2003. Over the years, it became known for producing high-quality white diamonds, along with a smaller share of rare yellow stones. The site’s development was considered a significant achievement, given its remote Arctic location and the technical challenges of mining under a frozen lake.
Reflecting on the milestone, managing director Sophie Bergeron highlighted the vision and perseverance that made the operation possible, noting how the project reshaped perceptions of Canada’s diamond potential on a global scale.
The mine’s closure was marked by a formal ceremony attended by Indigenous leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders—underscoring the collaborative nature of the project. Diavik’s leadership emphasized the strong partnerships built with Indigenous communities, which contributed to long-term economic and social benefits in the region.
Although production has now ceased, the work at Diavik is not entirely complete. Rehabilitation efforts, planned well in advance, will continue until 2029, focusing on restoring the surrounding land, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Monitoring activities will follow to ensure long-term ecological balance.
Meanwhile, the mine’s final output will continue to enter global markets, with diamonds being cut, polished, and sold through Rio Tinto’s established international network in the coming years.