This extraordinary discovery marks only the fifth time in the mine’s 22-year history that a yellow diamond exceeding 100 carats has been unearthed.
Rio Tinto, the operator of the mine, hailed the gemstone as “exceptional,” emphasizing its rarity. While Diavik is renowned for producing high-quality white diamonds, yellow diamonds make up less than one percent of its output, making this find particularly noteworthy.
Matt Breen, the mine’s chief operating officer, reflected on the significance of the discovery, calling it a “miracle of nature” and a testament to the dedication and expertise of the team working in the extreme conditions of the sub-Arctic.
The latest discovery reinforces the Diavik mine’s reputation as a source of rare and valuable diamonds, with each find offering a glimpse into the Earth’s geological history, billions of years in the making.