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Diavik from the air

Diavik

3.34

M

Carats production

100%

Ownership

Rough diamonds

Product

2003

Started

Northwest Territories

ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Ú 200 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, at the bottom of Lac de Gras in Canada's Northwest Territories, sit some of the world’s most beautiful and sought-after diamonds.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, which we own and manage, comprises 4 diamond-bearing pipes that we mine using a combination of open pit and underground mining. Our diamonds from Diavik are stunning white gems, produced to the highest possible standards of safety and integrity.

This is life, only in Canada

Innovation at Diavik

The design, construction and operation of Diavik is a story of success on a grand scale, in part because it is in one of the most challenging environments in the world: the sub-arctic tundra, one of the world’s pristine environments with one of the most delicate ecosystems. We are committed to protecting the biodiversity of this unique landscape.

And, through innovation, world class engineering technologies and partnering with Indigenous people, we are able to mine some of the world’s most ethical diamonds with a minimal impact on the local land, water, and wildlife.

All mines have a finite life cycle and Diavik has planned for its closure from the outset. The buildings on site have been designed to be removed. And when mining ends, the embankments will be reclaimed and lake water will flow back into the open pit.

Growth

Diavik’s fourth diamond pipe is known as A21. The ore body has been pivotal to extending the mine’s life and maximising the available mineral resource. While re-examining the feasibility of underground mining at A21, the Diavik team developed a plan that resulted in the approval of the first phase of a 2-phase expansion project. This created an extension of the mine’s life until the first quarter of 2026, ensuring sustained economic benefits to the region and our stakeholders.

  • wave

Holding back the waters

We have developed world class engineering technology and techniques to hold back the waters of Lac de Gras (to reach the diamond-bearing pipes at the bottom of the lake) in a way that minimises disturbance. Once we have built the embankment, creating a pool of water within the lake, we pump millions of litres from this pool back into the lake, monitoring water quality and fish stocks.

Offsetting emissions

Our focus on minimising our environmental impact and reducing the use of diesel was inherent in our construction of an award-winning wind farm that generates enough renewable energy to power Diavik’s underground mine. Since it was installed in 2012, it has generated 191 million kWh, saved 118,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and saved the equivalent of 43.4 million litres of diesel fuel.

We are also constructing the largest solar panel project in Canada’s north. The plant will generate 4.2 million kilowatt-hours of carbon-free electricity each year from over 6,600 solar panels.

The project will reduce diesel consumption at the site by around one million litres per year and will reduce emissions by 2,900 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That’s comparable to eliminating the emissions from 630 cars.

We are working with the Government of the Northwest Territories and community partners to determine how the solar farm can best benefit the region following closure.

Planning for closure

All mines have a finite life cycle and Diavik has planned for its closure from the outset. The buildings on site have been designed to be removed without a trace. And when mining ends, the embankments will be reclaimed and lake water will flow back into the open pit.

Diavik downloads

Diavik Socio-Economic Monitoring Agreement Report
PDF
3.02 MB
Diavik Community Contribution Fund Application Form
PDF
289 KB
Diavik Community Legacy Projects
PDF
1.18 MB
Diavik: Constructing the Legacy
PDF
3.55 MB
Diavik Community Update: Fall 2024
PDF
4.83 MB
Invested in Canada
Invested in Canada: Northwest Territories
PDF
1.19 MB
Investis au Canada: Territoires du Nord-Ouest
PDF
1.13 MB

Latest Diavik releases

08 November 2024

NWT’s diamond mines collaborate on one-of-a-kind pendant to be auctioned for charity

YELLOWKNIFE, Canada – The Northwest Territories’ three diamond mines – Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine, De Beers Group and Mountain Province Diamonds’ Gahcho Kué Diamond Mine, and Burgundy Diamond Mines’ Ekati Diamond Mine - have collaborated on a stunning one-of-a-kind pendant featuring diamonds from all three operations in a unique Northern design.  The pendant, set in 18-karat white g

03 October 2024

Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine moves into commercial production at A21 underground

YELLOWKNIFE, Canada – Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine has safely completed the development and construction of Phase 1 of the A21 underground mine, now moving the underground mine into commercial production. Building on the success of the first phase, Phase 2 of the A21 underground project was approved earlier this year with an additional investment of US$17 million. The project will enable D

02 July 2024

ÌÇÐÄvlogÈë¿Úcompletes construction of its solar power plant at Diavik Diamond Mine

YELLOWKNIFE, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine has completed installation of its 3.5 megawatt capacity solar power plant in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The project represents the largest off-grid solar power plant across Canada’s territories. The 6,620-panel facility is expected to generate 4.2 million kilowatt-hours of solar energy annually, reducing diesel consu

Diavik community

Diavik communities

We are working to support our people to ensure local communities benefit from the sustainable development of our mine, including the Northwest Territories and West Kitikmeot region of Nunavut
Rough diamonds from Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada

Diamonds

Diamonds often mark our most unique and important moments, helping us to celebrate the best things in life.

Contact Diavik

PO Box 2498 Stn Main
300 Northwest Tower
5201 50th Ave
Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada