History
The following timeline illustrates the finding, construction and operation of the Diavik Diamond Mine.
|
Date |
Event |
|---|---|
1991 to 1992 |
Aber stakes mineral claims. |
March 1992 |
Exploration begins. |
June 1992 |
Aber Resources, Kennecott Canada Exploration form Diavik joint venture. |
1994 to 1995 |
Pipes A21, A154-South, A154-North and A418 discovered. |
February 1996 |
75-person exploration camp erected for underground bulk sampling. |
July 1996 |
5,900 tonne bulk sampling of A418 and A154 South pipes completed. |
December 1996 |
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. created with head office in Yellowknife. |
March 1997 |
Bulk sample transported over winter road to Yellowknife for processing. Approximately 21,000 carats of diamonds recovered. |
June 1997 |
Environmental baseline studies completed. |
September 1997 |
Pre-feasibility study completed. |
March 1998 |
Project description submitted to Federal Government triggering formal environmental assessment review under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. |
September 1998 |
Environmental Assessment Report submitted and Comprehensive Public Involvement Plan initiated. |
November 1999 |
Federal Government approves project for permitting and licensing. |
September 2000 |
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. receives all necessary permits and licenses to bring mine into production. |
December 2000 |
Investors of Rio Tinto plc and Aber Diamond Corporation approve $1.3 billion expenditure to build mine . |
January 2001 |
Mine construction begins. |
October 2001 |
A154 dike earthworks completed. |
July 2002 |
A154 dike completed, dewatering commences. |
December 2002 |
Mine virtually complete. |
January 2003 |
Diamond production begins. |
May 2003 |
First million carats. |
May 2003 |
1.9 million accident-free hours. |
April 2003 |
Aber's first sale of rough diamonds. |
July 2003 |
Rio Tinto Diamonds' first sale of rough diamonds. |
Related links
Latest media releases
- 26 November 2011
New president joins Diavik - 03 November 2011
Diavik begins wind farm construction - 11 October 2011
Diavik selected as a Canada's Top 100 Employer - View all media releases