Diavik partners showcase Stars of the Arctic

Rio Tinto and Dominion Diamond Mines Oct. 1 revealed three of the finest large rough diamonds recovered from their Diavik Mine in Northwest Territories.

Collectively known as The Diavik Stars of the Arctic, these rough diamonds showcase a rare combination of size, quality and color from the Diavik diamond mine.

The Diavik Stars of the Arctic will headline Rio Tinto's forthcoming "Specials" Tender, which showcases rough diamonds greater than 10.8 carats. Taking their inspiration from constellations across the night skies of the North, The Diavik Stars of the Arctic comprise:

• Vega of the Arctic – at 177.71 carats, this is one of the largest and most valuable gem quality rough diamonds ever produced in Canada;

• Altair of the Arctic – a beautiful 59.1-carat white gem quality rough diamond; and

• Capella of the Arctic – a dazzling yellow diamond weighing in at 24.82 carats.

"Diavik diamonds are over two billion years old and it has taken 15 years of production to unearth these extraordinary diamonds, underscoring the ongoing importance of the Diavik orebody in the context of the global diamond industry," said Diavik Diamond Mines President and COO Patrick Boitumelo.

The Diavik Stars of the Arctic will be showcased in Israel and Antwerp, Belgium, to large diamond specialists from around the world before bids close on October 25.

The Diavik Diamond Mine – owned by Rio Tinto (60 percent) and joint venture partner Dominion Diamond Mines (40 percent) – produces predominantly gem quality diamonds destined for high end jewelry in all major consumer markets around the world.

The partners said the discovery of a large yellow diamond such as Capella of the Arctic is very rare, with the mine on average producing only five of these diamonds each year, which is effectively less than 0.001 percent of annual production.

The Diavik mine began production in 2003 and has been a fully underground mining operation since 2012.

The current plan for Diavik extends the life of the mine to 2025 and includes four diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes. The three kimberlite pipes currently being mined – A154 South, A154 North, and A418 – are very high grade. The fourth pipe, A21, began production in August.

–SHANE LASLEY