Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine has officially begun commercial production at its A21 underground mine, marking an important milestone in the mine’s operations. The successful completion of Phase 1 of the A21 underground project follows substantial development and construction work.
The company has also gotten approval for Phase 2 of the project, which would require an additional expenditure of $17 million. This extension will enable Diavik to maximise the value of its existing resources and move operations closer to the mine’s closure.
The A21 underground mine required the construction of more than 1,800 meters of subterranean tunnels to access the ore body. Safety was a major priority throughout the construction process, resulting in no lost-time injuries over the 20-month development period.
Matt Breen, Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mine, stated, “The A21 underground operation is good news for our employees, partners, suppliers, and local communities in the Northwest Territories because it will allow operations to continue until closure. Rio Tinto‘s decision to proceed with Phase 2 reflects our Diavik team’s outstanding achievement in successfully building the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit.”
In addition to continued mining operations, Rio Tinto is investing in the closure and remediation of the Diavik mine site. This involves earthworks, site cleanup, equipment acquisition, and other post-mining preparations.
Rio Tinto entirely owns and operates Diavik, which is one of Canada’s major rough diamond mines. Since its commencement in 2003, the mine has generated more than 144 million carats of raw diamond. While commercial production is anticipated to stop in 2026, the successful completion of the A21 underground project will extend the mine’s operational life.