Rio Tinto has a successful history of diamond exploration around the globe. It currently operates the world’s largest diamond mine in terms of carat production at Argyle Australia. The group has substantial expertise in diamond exploration, deposit evaluation, diamond production and marketing.
Kennecott Exploration
Kennecott Exploration joined the search for diamonds in North America in 1992. Success came in 1994 when the A154S kimberlite was discovered on the Diavik property with partners Aber Resource Ltd. This discovery, along with three other nearby kimberlites, has now progressed through exploration and evaluation to detailed mine design. A new company, Diavik Diamond Mines, was formed in 1996 to manage mining feasibility studies, and to plan the mining and marketing of diamonds from the Diavik-Aber deposits. In support of our diamond exploration program, the company also operates a world class mineral and diamond laboratory situated in Thunder Bay Ontario.
Laboratory, Thunder Bay Ontario
Business Opportunities
Kennecott recognizes the role entrepreneurial companies played in our past achievements such as at Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories. We would like to continue this formula and, to that end, we are constantly seeking new partners and new ventures. If your company has property with diamond potential, Kennecott has a team of experts that can add value at all stages of the exploration and evaluation process. Through our links with Diavik Diamond Mines and other Rio Tinto businesses, we can also bring development, operating and marketing expertise to your project.