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Rio Tinto records 27% y-o-y rise in output for  Q1 2025 primarily driven by Diavik diamond mine

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Rio Tinto reported a significant 27% year-on-year increase in diamond production for Q1 2025, reaching 942,000 carats compared to 740,000 carats in Q1 2024. This growth was primarily driven by operational improvements at the Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, Rio Tinto’s sole operating diamond asset. The strong quarterly performance marks a robust recovery after a volatile 2024, positioning the diamond division for a stronger 2025.

The Diavik mine processed 394,000 tonnes of ore in Q1 2025, up from both Q1 and Q4 2024, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and throughput. The Q1 2025 output is a marked rebound from the 542,000 carats produced in Q3 2024, when production was hampered by temporary mine closures due to safety concerns.

The Diavik mine is currently Rio Tinto’s only diamond-producing asset, following the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia in 2020.

The surge in output is attributed to: Successful ramp-up of underground mining at the A21 pipe, following the completion of the first phase of development. Increased ore processing volumes and improved operational efficiency. Recovery from previous disruptions, including a temporary shutdown in Q3 2024 due to ground instability in the A154 underground region.

The extension of Diavik’s mine life signals confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the diamond industry, even as global supply and demand dynamics remain volatile.

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DiamondBuzz

Richemont and Signet Jewelers Could Join Global Diamond Consortium In Bid For De Beers

Richemont, Signet Would Connect The Consortium To Key Global Growth Vectors Spanning Luxury High Jewelry and Mass-Market Retail.

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The Global Diamond Consortium (GDC)

Richemont and Signet Jewelers are reported to be in talks about joining the Global Diamond Consortium (GDC), the preferred bidder for De Beers according to a Bloomberg News report.

​GDC was selected in July 2026 as one of Anglo American’s preferred bidders for De Beers as part of Anglo American’s ongoing corporate restructuring. 

​The potential inclusion of Richemont—owner of luxury Maisons including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels—and Signet Jewelers—the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, operating brands such as Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared—would connect the consortium to key global growth vectors spanning luxury high jewelry and mass-market retail. 

​Strengthening the Natural Diamond Ecosystem: Participation by major luxury brands and global retail leaders reinforces commitment across the entire value chain—from responsible mining and manufacturing to consumer engagement. 

​Balanced Governance Structure: Discussions center on potential minority equity positions that would support long-term category growth while maintaining appropriate separation between ownership and commercial strategy.

​Broad Stakeholder Participation: The consortium continues to advance talks with host governments, including discussions with the Government of Botswana regarding a potential increase in its equity share in De Beers from 15% to approximately 25%, alongside participation from private investors and southern African host nations. 

​​Discussions between GDC, Richemont, Signet, and participating government stakeholders remain ongoing. Terms of any potential participation, including the size of equity interests, have not been finalized and remain subject to regulatory approvals and definitive documentation. 

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JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

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