The Diavik diamond mine is located approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) south of the Arctic Circle in Canada's Northwest Territories. It is where this 158.2 carat yellow diamond was found. It is one of the largest yellow diamonds ever produced by the 22-year-old mine.
Rio Tinto announced this week that it has discovered a 158.2 carat yellow diamond from Diavik. Its diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories.
The mining company said the giant diamond is one of only five yellow diamonds weighing more than 100 carats ever discovered in Diavik. It also noted that finding any yellow diamond at the mine is a rare occurrence. Yellow diamonds account for less than 1% of the mine's production.
The 158-carat stone is also one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever found in Canada. The largest is the 552.74-carat yellow diamond discovered at Diavik in 2018.
This diamond also holds the title of the largest diamond ever found in North America.
«This natural 2 billion-year-old Canadian diamond is a miracle of nature. But also a testament to the skill and passion of all the men and women working in the challenging subarctic environment of Diavik.» As stated by Matt Breen, who took over management of the mine in December 2023.
The Diavik diamond mine opened its doors in 2003.
The original plan for the lifetime of the Diavik mine was to operate the mine until 2025. But Rio Tinto has invested millions to underground one of the mine's four kimberlite pipes, the A21.
The first phase of commercial production in the A21 underground began late last year. But it is expected to extend the mine life until early 2026.
Source: nationaljeweler.com
