Rio extends mine life at Diavik

Diversified miner Rio Tinto has extended the mine-life at its Diavik diamond mine, in the Northwest Territories of Canada, announcing a $40-million investment in the first phase of underground mining below the existing A21 openpit.

“Rio Tinto’s decision to support the underground development of the A21 pipe was prefaced on compelling industry fundamentals, our proven capacity to safely develop diamond mines in extreme conditions and a track record in competing successfully in the global diamond industry,” said Rio’s CEO of minerals, Sinead Kaufman.