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Northwest Territories

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

Diavik Diamond Mine comprised 4 diamond-bearing pipes that were mined using a combination of open pit and underground mining. Diavik produced predominantly stunning white diamonds, along with a small number of rare yellow diamonds, to the highest possible standards of safety and integrity.

Diavik Diamond Mine’s last ore milestone took place in March 2026.

Closing responsibly, closing with care

All mines have a finite life cycle, and Diavik planned for closure from the outset. Closure activities were integrated into mine planning and operations from the very beginning, making us a leader in Canadian mine closure.

With mining now complete, Diavik is progressing through decommissioning and reclamation. Buildings and infrastructure are being decommissioned, salvaged where practical, or demolished safely. Lake water is being returned to the mine pits and will be tested for quality before it is ultimately reconnected with Lac de Gras.

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, a pristine landscape with a delicate ecosystem. We remain committed to protecting the biodiversity of this unique landscape. 

Through innovation, world class engineering technologies and in collaboration with local Indigenous partners, we were able to mine some of the world’s most ethical diamonds. These foundations continue to guide a responsible and carefully planned closure, with a focus on leaving the site safe and stable for the long term.

Reducing emissions

Our focus on minimising our environmental impact and reducing the use of diesel was inherent in our construction of the first large-scale wind farm in Canada’s territories in 2012. During Diavik’s operations, it generated over 200 million kilowatt‑hours of renewable electricity, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and displaced millions of litres of diesel fuel.

Diavik also constructed a 6,600-panel solar facility in 2024. At the time of its construction, it was the largest off‑grid solar power project in Canada’s North. This facility generates approximately 4.2 million kilowatt‑hours of carbon‑free electricity each year and will continue to play an important role in reducing emissions during closure activities.

 

Diavik's legacy

For 23 years of operations, Diavik played a transformative role in Northern Canada, leaving a legacy defined by caring, partnership, and long‑term benefit for Northern communities. Mining at Diavik provided steady, well‑paying jobs that strengthened families and communities. We provided hundreds of scholarships totaling more than $5 million, supported training and apprenticeship programs that provided valuable, transferable skills. Diavik also invested heavily in skills development, supporting more than 70 certified apprentices and over 130 graduates of the Northern Leadership Development Program.

Over its operating life, Diavik averaged approximately 1,100 jobs each year, with nearly half held by Northern Canadians, and 22% per cent by Northern Indigenous employees. In many cases, multiple generations from the same families worked at the mine. These opportunities increased household incomes, strengthened local capacity, and helped build a more resilient Northern workforce. 

Beyond direct employment, Diavik delivered significant economic and social benefits, providing more than $8 billion in Northern business spend, including $4.1 billion with Northern Indigenous businesses. Community investments included $5 million in scholarships, $9 million in donations, and more than $100 million in direct payments to Indigenous government partners. Together, these contributions helped build local businesses, leadership capacity, and community wellbeing that extends well beyond the life of the mine. 

As Diavik transitioned to closure, equal care was taken to support employees and communities through this change. The MyPath employee transition program invested more than $1.5 million in training, delivered over 500 individual coaching sessions, and achieved 95% employee engagement to help our people plan their next chapter.  

Hear from some of our people about Diavik’s MyPath Program.

Large group of workers in high-visibility orange and reflective safety gear standing together on a gravel surface at an industrial site, with heavy mining trucks and equipment behind them under an overcast sky.

Community legacy

Diavik also helped establish the Yellowknife Community Foundation’s Northern Legacy Fund, providing enduring support for future generations, along with regional economic development initiatives and asset donations designed to stimulate long‑term economic activity. This thoughtful, well‑planned approach reflects Diavik’s commitment to ensuring closure is as successful and responsible as operations were.

Environmental legacy

Diavik’s environmental legacy is grounded in responsibility, respect, and collaboration. Closure and reclamation are being carried out in close partnership with Northern Indigenous governments and communities, guided by Traditional Knowledge alongside western science. A Traditional Knowledge Panel provided more than 260 recommendations, supported by on‑the‑land camps and ongoing Traditional Knowledge‑based monitoring that continues through closure planning.  

The goal is to return the land and water to a safe condition for people, wildlife, and the continuation of traditional and cultural activities. As one measure of success, leaving a positive legacy means that when people of the North reflect on Diavik’s presence, they recognise the benefits, view closure as successful, and would welcome us back again as a responsible operator. 

Diavik downloads

Diavik Community Update: Winter 2026
PDF
10.04 MB
Diavik Community Update: Fall 2025
PDF
4.22 MB
Diavik Community Update: Summer 2025
PDF
10.97 MB
Diavik Community Update: Spring 2025
PDF
3.6 MB
Diavik Community Update: Winter 2025
PDF
4.22 MB
Diavik Socio-Economic Monitoring Agreement Report
PDF
11.73 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
Solar power at Diavik
PDF
1.77 MB
Wind power at Diavik
PDF
1.41 MB

Latest Diavik releases

26 March 2026

Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine delivers its final production

YELLOWKNIFE, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After 23 years of operations and more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds produced before exhausting its economic reserves, Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada has celebrated its final day of production. Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium and Diamonds Managing Director Sophie Bergeron said: “Forty years ago there were

27 February 2026

Tłı̨chǫ Government and Diavik Diamond Mine sign closure agreement in Behchokǫ̀

BEHCHOKǪ̀, Canada – The Tłı̨chǫ Government and Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine marked a new stage in their decades-long partnership, signing a Closure Agreement on February 26, 2026, at a public ceremony at the Cultural Centre in Behchokǫ, Northwest Territories.Tłı̨chǫ leadership and Diavik officials signed the agreement in front of Tłı̨chǫ citizens, community members, Elders, and staff. The gathe

19 September 2025

Rio Tinto launches its final Beyond Rare Tender with a unique collection of rare pink, red, violet, yellow and white diamonds

MELBOURNE, Australia - Rio Tinto has launched its final Beyond Rare Tender, the third in its annual Art Series, featuring 52 lots of extraordinarily rare masterpieces of nature, from its Canadian and Australian diamond mines. Titled Into the Light, this unique event marks a special chapter in world diamond history. With Rio Tinto’s Australian Argyle Diamond Mine ceasing operation

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.

Rough diamonds

Product

2.75M

M

Carats production

100%

Ownership

2003

Started

Contact Diavik

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