The Argyle Pink Everlastings™ Collection Image credit: Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto’s annual diamond production dipped 14% to 14.7 mn carats for the year 2020, according to the miner.
The output at Argyle, fully owned by Rio Tinto, dropped 16% to 10.9 mn carats as the mining company prepared for its shutdown.
Rio Tinto’s output fell in 2020 as the mining company reduced output from its Argyle site, before closing the mine on November 3.
Production in 2020 at Rio Tinto’s 60% owned Diavik mine in Canada recorded 3.73 mn carats, down 7% as compared to 2019 production.
Rio Tinto’s Q4 diamond output declined 33% year-on-year to 2.8 mn carats.
The company expects to produce between 3 mn and 3.8 mn carats from Diavik in 2021.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished
