LONDON, UK, Dec. 2, 2015
/CNW/ - Rio Tinto has unveiled one of the largest diamonds ever
discovered in Canada.
The 187.7 carat gem-quality rough diamond, known as The Diavik
Foxfire, was discovered at the Diavik Diamond Mine in the remote
Northwest Territories of
Canada, 220km south of the Arctic
Circle.
The Diavik Foxfire diamond was showcased during an exclusive
preview at Kensington Palace in London.
Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said "We are delighted to
showcase this exceptional, two billion-year-old Canadian
diamond. Its ancient beginnings, together with the fortitude,
finesse and innovative technology required to unearth a diamond in
the challenging sub-arctic environment, make it a true miracle of
nature."
The Diavik Foxfire has also been bestowed an indigenous name,
Noi?eh Kwe which references the strong ties to the land and
its legacy. Grand Chief Edward Erasmus from the Tlicho government
said "I am very pleased that this has been named to honour the area
of the caribou crossing, as this has been important to the Tlicho
since time immemorial."
Local communities have been widely consulted about the operation
and impact of the Diavik mine, with this engagement leading to
considerable employment, training and capacity building
opportunities.
Diavik Diamond Mines president and chief operating officer
Marc Cameron said "In a landscape so
pristine and precious to traditional lifestyles, we have seen and
continue to see an inspired collaboration between local indigenous
people and a modern mining company."
The Diavik Foxfire will be showcased in London before returning to Antwerp for careful assessment and planning
for the next stage of its journey. It is likely that the 187.7
carat rough diamond will yield at least one very large polished
diamond with, its ultimate destiny in an exclusive heirloom piece
of jewellery.
Note to editors
Rio Tinto owns a 60 per cent interest in, and operates, the
Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada's
remote Northwest Territories.
Diavik commenced production in 2003 and has an annual production
of some 6-7 million carats of predominantly large, white
gem-quality diamonds.
Diavik is a significant contributor to Canada's northern economy, since 2000, Diavik
has spent C$4.8 billion with local
businesses and C$2.5 billion of this
with northern Aboriginal businesses and their joint ventures.
Contacts
media.enquiries@riotinto.com
www.riotinto.com
Follow @RioTinto on Twitter
SOURCE RIO TINTO PLC