According to the company’s latest Q1 Operations Review, production totalled 942,000 carats, up from 740,000 carats in the same period last year.
The growth was largely fuelled by strong operational gains at the Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories — Rio Tinto’s sole operating diamond asset. The mine processed 394,000 tonnes of ore during the quarter, compared to 343,000 tonnes in Q1 2024 and 330,000 tonnes in Q4 2024, reflecting a continued focus on efficiency and throughput.
This robust start follows a challenging 2024, where output dipped to just 542,000 carats in Q3 before bouncing back in the final quarter. While diamonds account for a relatively small portion of Rio Tinto’s overall portfolio, the company continues to view the sector as a strategically important niche within its diversified holdings.
With market stability gradually returning and production momentum on the rise, Rio Tinto’s diamond division is positioning itself for a stronger performance in 2025.
