GEMOLOGY

Diavik produces 158.20-carat ‘miracle of nature’ diamond

Ollie Williams·

Tuesday April 1, 2025 
CABIN RADIO


Rio Tinto says workers at the NWT’s Diavik diamond mine have “unearthed one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada.”

Diavik is expected to close next year after 22 years of production.

Fresh from announcing the discovery of a 50-million-year-old log, Rio Tinto said on Tuesday it has now found a 158.20-carat rough diamond at Diavik – one of only five yellow diamonds weighing more than 100 carats ever unearthed at the mine, the company added.

Normally, Diavik produces white gem-quality diamonds. Less than one percent of its production involves rare yellow diamonds, Rio Tinto stated.

Diamonds like these are estimated to be billions of years old.

In a press release, Diavik chief operating officer Matt Breen called this one a “miracle of natureand testament to the skill and fortitude” of the mine’s staff.

Rio Tinto discovers exceptional yellow diamond from its Diavik Diamond Mine

---

01 April 2025

YELLOWKNIFE, Canada -- Rio Tinto has unearthed one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada, from its Diavik Diamond Mine.

The 158.20 carat rough diamond was discovered at Diavik located 200km south of the Arctic Circle in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada.

It is one of only five yellow diamonds weighing more than 100 carats ever unearthed at Diavik in its 22-year history. Diavik’s production primarily consists of white gem quality diamonds, with less than one percent of its production yielding rare yellow diamonds.

Diavik Diamond Mines Chief Operating Officer Matt Breen said: “This two billion year old, natural Canadian diamond, is a miracle of nature and testament to the skill and fortitude of all the men and women who work in Diavik’s challenging sub-Arctic environment.”

Operating since 2003, Diavik’s production is lauded for its precious provenance and honourable pedigree, sourced from one of the Earth’s most pristine environments.

The Diavik mine is committed to operating sustainably, with renewable energy an important part of this off grid operation. From 2012, the site has operated a hybrid wind-diesel power facility and in 2024 Diavik completed construction of a solar power plant.

Patrick Coppens, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamonds business said: “The beauty and purity of Diavik diamonds continues to excite passions amongst all who see them and we look forward to following the onward journey of this very special diamond.”