Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
London—Rio Tinto reported a 22 percent year-over-year drop in production in the first quarter at its sole remaining diamond operation, the Diavik Diamond Mine.
The mine produced 740,000 carats in Q1, compared with 954,000 in the first quarter of 2023.
Rio Tinto reported first-quarter results for Diavik last week alongside results for its iron ore, bauxite, aluminum, and copper operations.
The first thing the company mentioned in its news release was the January airplane crash that killed six and injured one.
“We have been deeply affected by the loss of four Diavik colleagues and two airline crew members in a plane crash in January,” Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said. “This tragedy has strengthened our resolve to never be complacent about safety.”
The plane, a chartered Jetstream twin-turboprop en route to the remote Diavik mine, crashed shortly after takeoff from Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories on the morning of Jan. 23.
The four Diavik workers killed in the crash have been identified as Diane Balsillie, Howard (Howie) Benwell, Joel Tetso, and Shawn Krawec, while the sole survivor was Kurt Macdonald.
Paszolo Alba was the airline crew member who was killed, while the second crew member hasn’t been publicly identified.
Rio Tinto said last week that it is continuing to work with Canadian authorities to determine the exact cause of the crash.
To grieve and honor the workers who died, the mine took a “production pause,” which led to the 22 percent year-over-year drop in production.
Quarter-to-quarter, production rose 12 percent from 659,000 carats mined in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Rio Tinto said continued production improvement from the A154 North underground pipe and ore development at the A21 underground project helped to offset the depletion of two ore bodies last year.
The company announced in March that it is going underground on the A21 pipe, a multi-million-dollar project that, if fully approved, will extend Diavik’s life into the first quarter of 2026.
The Latest
Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.