The mine, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, commenced operation in 2003 after diamonds were discovered at the site in 1991. It produced more than 150 million carats during its lifetime, including fancy colour diamonds.
The closure marked an important separation from diamond production for owners Rio Tinto, as the Diavik Mine was the company’s last deposit, following the closure of the Argyle Mine in Australia in 2020. Sophie Bergeron, Rio Tinto's iron, titanium and diamonds managing director, said it was a historic occasion.
"Forty years ago, there were very few people who believed there were diamonds in Canada - even fewer could have foreseen how the Diavik story would unfold," she said.
"To arrive at this milestone has required vision, courage and determination to overcome significant challenges to mine diamonds beneath a frozen lake in one of the world's most remote and pristine ecosystems."
The final production of rough diamonds will be sold through 2026.
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