International News
Rio Tinto Unveils Rare 158ct Yellow Diamond from Diavik Mine in Canada
One of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever discovered in Canada, the 158.20-carat gem is a remarkable find as Diavik Mine nears closure.
Rio Tinto has uncovered a rare and exceptional 158.20-carat yellow diamond at its Diavik Mine in Canada, marking one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds ever found in the country. This stunning discovery is also among only five yellow diamonds weighing over 100 carats to be unearthed by the company at Diavik throughout its 22-year history. Notably, Diavik is primarily known for producing white diamonds, with less than 1% of its output being yellow stones.
The Diavik Mine, which is set to close next year, is also responsible for several significant yellow diamond finds, including Canada’s largest yellow diamond, a 552.74-carat gem discovered in 2018, and the 187.7-carat Diavik Foxfire found in 2015.
With the closure of the Argyle mine in Australia in 2020, Diavik is now Rio Tinto’s sole diamond asset. Patrick Coppens, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Rio Tinto’s diamond business, expressed excitement over the unique beauty and purity of the Diavik diamonds, eagerly anticipating the future of this extraordinary find.
International News
Middle East conflict halts India-UAE diamond trade
Industry leaders warn of prolonged caution in markets, with potential shifts to alternative routes like Hong Kong under scrutiny.
Iran has launched over 1,300 drones and 229 missiles at the UAE since February 28, 2026, in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that killed over 1,000 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. UAE air defenses intercepted most threats, but the attacks caused 3 deaths and 112 injuries, with debris damaging civilian areas.
Trade Dependencies
The UAE supplies more than two-thirds of India’s rough diamond imports, making it the dominant source for the country’s diamond processing industry. India, in turn, provides over 90% of the UAE’s polished diamond imports, underscoring the bilateral trade’s critical role in global diamond flows.
Logistics Breakdown
Nearly all flights between India and the UAE stand cancelled amid the conflict, except limited repatriation services, crippling air cargo routes. Daily diamond export parcels—typically 400 to 500 from India to UAE—have stopped entirely due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.
Industry Impact
Exports and imports from the Middle East have ground to a standstill, with no logistics available to move goods,
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), hub of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, shifted to remote operations and declined further comment on disruptions.
Broader Implications
The Middle East accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s $30 billion annual gems and jewellery exports, amplifying the economic fallout for Mumbai’s diamond trade ecosystem. Industry leaders warn of prolonged caution in markets, with potential shifts to alternative routes like Hong Kong under scrutiny.
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