

Rough diamonds
Product
4.65M
Carats production
100%
Ownership
2003
Started
Northwest Territories
About 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 four 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.
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.

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.
Growth
In 2018, we commissioned the fourth diamond pipe, known as A21, at the Diavik Diamond Mine. The pipe provides an important source of incremental ore supply as an open pit while options to mine underground are explored.
Latest Diavik releases
Rio Tinto to proceed with underground mining of Diavik’s A21 pipe
YELLOWKNIFE, Canada – Rio Tinto has approved a $40-million investment in the first phase of underground mining below the existing A21 open pit at its Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Based on the updated mine plan and production schedule including the A154N and A154S pipes, and subject to approval of the second phase of the A21 underground project, Diavik is n
First female president appointed for Diavik Diamond Mine
YELLOWKNIFE, Canada – Rio Tinto has appointed Angela Bigg president and chief operating officer of the Diavik Diamond Mine. Angela, previously general manager, Operations at Diavik, will be the first female to lead the mine and its 1,100 employees. Angela joined the Diavik team in November of 2017 as vice president, Finance. She began her career with Rio Tinto in 2005 and has worked in Mozambique,
Rio Tinto becomes sole owner of Diavik Diamond Mine
MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has become the sole owner of Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada, continuing its leading role in the Canadian diamond industry. A transaction has been completed for Rio Tinto’s acquisition of the 40 per cent share held by Dominion Diamond Mines in Diavik, following the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta’s approval. With production a
Contact Diavik

Diavik
PO Box 2498 Stn Main
300 Northwest Tower
5201 50th Ave
Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8, Canada
T: ext 5903