Rio Tinto has recovered a 158.2-carat yellow diamond from the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories—one of the largest yellow diamonds ever found in the country. The diamond is one of the rare yellow stones found at the site, with yellow diamonds accounting for less than 1% of the mine’s overall production.
This recovery is one of only five yellow diamonds over 100 carats to be unearthed at Diavik in its 22-year history. It is among the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds found in Canada, second to the 552.74-carat yellow diamond recovered at Diavik in 2018, the largest diamond ever found in North America.
“This 2-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 subArctic environment,” said Matt Breen, Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mine.
Operational context at Diavik
Diavik began production in 2003 and has primarily yielded white gem-quality diamonds. While yellow diamonds are uncommon at the site, it has occasionally produced larger coloured stones.
The mine was initially scheduled to close in 2025. However, Rio Tinto has extended the mine’s life through underground development of the A21 kimberlite pipe. The first phase of commercial production at A21 began in late 2023 and is expected to continue into early 2026.
Diavik has incorporated solar power into its energy supply in recent years as part of operational developments in the region’s sub-Arctic environment.
Industry implications
Recoveries of this type from a mine where coloured diamonds are uncommon reflect the variability of diamond deposits and the outcomes of continued development. For jewellers, the addition of another large yellow diamond to the market contributes to a limited global supply of such stones, which may be relevant for high-value bespoke production or collector markets.
With Diavik approaching the end of its operational life, such recoveries illustrate the ongoing output from its remaining ore.
