Diavik yields 187.7-carat rough diamond

by jacquie_dealmeida | December 3, 2015 9:07 am

[1]A 187.7-carat gem-quality rough diamond has been unearthed at Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine.

Known as ‘The Diavik Foxfire,’ the stone was showcased during an exclusive preview at Kensington Palace in London by Rio Tinto, which owns a 60 per cent interest in the mine and operates it. Dominion Diamond Corp., owns 40 per cent interest.

“We are delighted to showcase this exceptional, two billion-year-old Canadian diamond,” said Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director, Jean-Marc Lieberherr.

“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 given an indigenous name, Noi?eh Kwe, which references the strong ties to the land and its legacy.

“I am very pleased this has been named to honour the area of the caribou crossing, as this has been important to the Tlicho since time immemorial,” said Grand Chief Edward Erasmus from the Tlicho government.

Rio Tinto says local communities benefit from the mine’s operation through employment, training, and capacity-building opportunities.

“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,” said Diavik Diamond Mines president and chief operating officer (COO), Marc Cameron.

The Diavik Foxfire will be showcased in London before returning to Antwerp for assessment and planning for the next stage of its journey. Rio says the rough will yield at least one very large polished diamond and will likely be set in an exclusive heirloom piece of jewellery.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/diavik-yields-187-7-carat-rough-diamond/

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