MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingApr 24, 2020
Operator of Ekati Diamond Mine Granted Insolvency Protection
Dominion Diamond Mines also has a 40 percent stake in the Diavik mine.
A file photo of the main camp at the Ekati Diamond Mine. The mine’s owner, Dominion, filed for insolvency protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada this week.
London—Dominion Diamond Mines announced Thursday it has filed for and was granted insolvency protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in Canada.
The CCAA is a federal act that allows financially troubled companies owing more than $5 million to creditors 30 days of protection to financially restructure while avoiding bankruptcy and allowing the creditors to receive some money.
Based in Calgary, Dominion owns the Ekati Diamond Mine and is the 40 percent JV partner in the Diavik Diamond Mine operated by Rio Tinto. Both mines are located in Canada’s Northwest Territories, less than 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
In a statement released Thursday, the company said the COVID-19 pandemic was the primary driver behind its filing.
It closed the Ekati mine fairly early on in response to the pandemic, shuttering operations there March 19, citing the disease’s rapid spread, the mine’s remote location and the high frequency of air travel required by staff.
Diavik, which is less than 20 miles from Ekati, is still fully operational, Rio Tinto confirmed.
“Although the company has strong diamond inventory, sorting houses and diamond markets are closed,” Dominion said. “These are key channels to facilitate the sale of the company’s inventory, so currently there is no ability to generate sufficient revenue to support Dominion’s ongoing financial obligations.”
The Washington Companies, which bought Dominion in 2017, offered to provide debtor-in-possession financing to provide it liquidity through the CCAA process in exchange for Dominion agreeing to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding its possible sale to a Washington Companies affiliate as a stalking-horse bidder. Dominion would also be required to solicit other bids to either buy or invest in the company.
Dominion said whether or not it accepts The Washington Companies’ offer, it expects to obtain new financing, emerge from CCAA and reopen.
“As the spread of COVID-19 subsides and diamond markets reopen, Dominion plans to resume mining operations at the Ekati Diamond Mine and safely recall its furloughed workers,” it said. “Dominion continues to believe in the long-term viability of its assets and expects to emerge stronger and better able to deliver value to all stakeholders.”
Rio Tinto declined to comment directly on Dominion’s filing or its options when it comes to the Diavik mine, stating only: “Rio Tinto notes that Dominion Diamond Mines has filed for insolvency protection. Our focus remains on safely continuing our operations amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.” 
Three rough diamonds mined at Diavik and dubbed “Stars of the Arctic,” the 178-carat “Vega” (left), the 25-carat “Capella,” and the “Altair” at 59 carats. Dominion Diamond Mines holds a 40 percent stake in Diavik.
The news about Dominion Diamond broke the same day De Beers’ parent company Anglo American released production results for the first quarter 2020 and its forecast for the year ahead.
Anglo cut production guidance for De Beers’ diamond mines from 32-34 million carats to 25-27 million carats, noting the drop-off in wholesale diamond trading and consumer traffic in key markets due to COVID-19.
These figures are subject to “continuous review based on the disruptions related to COVID-19 as well as the timing and scale of the recovery in trading conditions,” Anglo said.
In the first quarter 2020, coronavirus had limited impact on De Beers’ production, as shutdown and social distancing measures in producer countries didn’t take effect until the end of the quarter.
As of Friday, all De Beers’ mining operations that had been shuttered were ramping up to reopen.
Spokesman David Johnson said the company’s mines in Botswana and land operations in Namibia are returning to production at lower volumes, and the Venetia mine in South Africa is ramping up to 50 percent workforce.
Off-shore diamond mining in Namibia is operating at lower volumes, and the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada continues to operate but at lower volumes.
Rough diamond production in Q1 totaled 7.9 million carats, down 1 percent from 7.8 million carats a year ago.
Production was down in Botswana by 5 percent to 5.6 million carats, mainly because of work being done at the Orapa mine, and it dropped 19 percent year-over-year to 800,000 carats in Canada, which still had the Victor mine in the first quarter of last year.
In Namibia, diamond production was up 6 percent to 500,000 million carats and in South Africa, production increased 97 percent to 800,000 carats as De Beers mined the final ore from the open-pit Venetia mine—its only remaining mine in the country—before it is transitioned into an underground operation.
De Beers is spending $2 billion to take Venetia underground and expand its life into the 2040s.
Rough diamond sales in the first two rounds of sightholder and auction sales in 2020 were up 19 percent year-over-year, from 7.5 million carats to 8.9 million due to a weak Q1 in 2019.
But De Beers called off the third sight of 2020 as demand plummeted with the spread of COVID-19.
It allowed customers to defer all sight three allocations to later in the year.
Editor’s note: Information in this story about the ownership of the Diavik Diamond Mine was corrected post-publication. The mine is operated by Rio Tinto, not Dominion as previously stated.
The news about Dominion Diamond broke the same day De Beers’ parent company Anglo American released production results for the first quarter 2020 and its forecast for the year ahead.
Anglo cut production guidance for De Beers’ diamond mines from 32-34 million carats to 25-27 million carats, noting the drop-off in wholesale diamond trading and consumer traffic in key markets due to COVID-19.
These figures are subject to “continuous review based on the disruptions related to COVID-19 as well as the timing and scale of the recovery in trading conditions,” Anglo said.
In the first quarter 2020, coronavirus had limited impact on De Beers’ production, as shutdown and social distancing measures in producer countries didn’t take effect until the end of the quarter.
As of Friday, all De Beers’ mining operations that had been shuttered were ramping up to reopen.
Spokesman David Johnson said the company’s mines in Botswana and land operations in Namibia are returning to production at lower volumes, and the Venetia mine in South Africa is ramping up to 50 percent workforce.
Off-shore diamond mining in Namibia is operating at lower volumes, and the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada continues to operate but at lower volumes.
Rough diamond production in Q1 totaled 7.9 million carats, down 1 percent from 7.8 million carats a year ago.
Production was down in Botswana by 5 percent to 5.6 million carats, mainly because of work being done at the Orapa mine, and it dropped 19 percent year-over-year to 800,000 carats in Canada, which still had the Victor mine in the first quarter of last year.
In Namibia, diamond production was up 6 percent to 500,000 million carats and in South Africa, production increased 97 percent to 800,000 carats as De Beers mined the final ore from the open-pit Venetia mine—its only remaining mine in the country—before it is transitioned into an underground operation.
De Beers is spending $2 billion to take Venetia underground and expand its life into the 2040s.
Rough diamond sales in the first two rounds of sightholder and auction sales in 2020 were up 19 percent year-over-year, from 7.5 million carats to 8.9 million due to a weak Q1 in 2019.
But De Beers called off the third sight of 2020 as demand plummeted with the spread of COVID-19.
It allowed customers to defer all sight three allocations to later in the year.
Editor’s note: Information in this story about the ownership of the Diavik Diamond Mine was corrected post-publication. The mine is operated by Rio Tinto, not Dominion as previously stated.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Marco Bicego Names New Global Marketing DirectorThe Italian jewelry company appointed Matteo Cuelli to the newly created role.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
Frederick Goldman Updates Leadership TeamThe manufacturer said the changes are designed to improve speed, reliability, innovation, and service.
Policies & IssuesFeb 03, 2026
Tariff Relief on Horizon for India as Trump, Modi Make DealPresident Trump said he has reached a trade deal with India, which, when made official, will bring relief to the country’s diamond industry.
CollectionsFeb 03, 2026
Jade Trau Releases New Charms, Introduces RondellesThe designer’s latest collection takes inspiration from her classic designs, reimagining the motifs in new forms.
WatchesFeb 03, 2026
Casio America Calls Jersey City HomeThe watchmaker moved its U.S. headquarters to a space it said fosters creativity and forward-thinking solutions in Jersey City, New Jersey.
GradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
