And more from Diavik

Diavik Diamond Mines says that it has started production from its new underground mine and that its underground operations will steadily increase as the open pits are depleted.

The company expects that by 2012, Diavik will be a 100% underground mine.

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located about 300 km northeast of Yellowknife is as a joint venture between Rio Tinto (60%) and Harry Winston Diamond Corporation (40%), has been operating as an open-pit mine since 2003 and this recent transition to underground mining has always been part of its 16-22-year mine plan.

The Diavik mine currently comprises three diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes and a fourth pipe, the A21 pipe, is being reviewed to determine the viability of mining.