Diavik Q4 Production 2.9 Million Carats

Fourth quarter 2007 production at the Diavik diamond mine in Canada totaled 2.9 million carats, bringing the total 2007 carat production to 11.9 million carats. Diavik also noted that a highlight of the three-month period was the decision by Diavik’s joint venture partners to invest $563 million to prepare for underground mining.

Diavik is an unincorporated joint venture between Harry Winston Diamond Mines (40 percent) and DDMI (60 percent), a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto. 

The funds from the investment will be spent to construct underground tunnels and surface works, expand water treatment, power generation and accommodation capacity and construct ancillary facilities including fuel and cement storage.

Employment at Diavik for the quarter averaged 814 employees, of which 67 percent is northern, and nearly half of that aboriginal. By the end of 2007, eight workers had completed Diavik’s latest Aboriginal Leadership Development Program, which provides participants with additional training and skills to help strengthen and advance their careers. A total of 26 graduates have completed the program.