Diavik Diamond Mine

Description and Location

Diavik Diamond Mine is an industrial complex located on an island in Lac de Gras.
The complex includes four kimberlite pipes and various facilities such as processing plants and administrative buildings.
It is connected to points south by an ice road and Diavik Airport.
The mine has two main open pits, a waste rock pile, and an airstrip capable of landing large aircraft.
It is situated about 220km south of the Arctic Circle.

The mine is owned by a joint venture between Rio Tinto Group (60%) and Dominion Diamond Corporation (40%).
It is operated by Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Group.
Commercial production began in 2003, and the mine is expected to have a lifespan of 16 to 22 years.
The mine employs 1,000 workers and produces approximately 7 million carats of diamonds annually.
It has become a significant contributor to the regional economy.

The area was surveyed in 1992, and construction of the mine started in 2001.
Production commenced in January 2003.
In 2006, the ice road froze late and thawed early, causing supply challenges for the mine.
Environmental impact studies were sponsored in 2007 to construct a deep-water port in Bathurst Inlet.
Underground mining began in March 2010, and the transition from open pit to underground mining was completed in September 2012.

In December 2015, the 187.7 carat Diavik Foxfire diamond, one of the largest rough gem quality diamonds in Canada, was discovered.
The diamond was given an indigenous name, Noi?eh Kwe, meaning caribou crossing stone.
In October 2018, the largest diamond ever found in North America, a yellow diamond weighing 552 carats, was discovered at the mine.
These discoveries highlight the significant potential of the mine in producing exceptional diamonds.
The mine continues to explore and exploit new ore bodies, such as the A21 kimberlite pipe.

Other diamond mines in the region include Ekati Diamond Mine and Snap Lake Diamond Mine.
The Diavik Diamond Mine has been the subject of various studies and reports, including its geography and rough diamond supply.
Additional information and facts about the mine can be found in the Diavik Fact Book provided by Diavik Diamond Mine Incorporated.
The mine's wind farm, operational even in extreme cold temperatures, showcases its commitment to renewable energy.
News articles and reports provide updates on significant events and developments related to the mine.

Reference	URL
Glossary	https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/diavik-diamond-mine
Wikipedia	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diavik_Diamond_Mine
Wikidata	https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1209233
Knowledge Graph	https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/054pcq