DIAMOND MINING: Diavik latest mine to take a breather

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES — The Diavik diamond mine near Lac de Gras is the latest diamond mine to announce production cutbacks in the form of two temporary shutdowns and the continuing deferral of underground production. The operator, Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., is 40% owned by Harry Winston Diamond Corp. of Toronto and 60% owned by Rio Tinto of London, U.K.

Two six-week shutdowns have been announced, one from mid-July to Aug. 24, 2009, and the second from Dec. 1, 2009, to Jan. 10, 2010. During these shutdowns, production will cease and the mine will be placed on care-and-maintenance.

The underground mine development will also be placed on care-and-maintenance by Q3 2009. As construction is completed, the workforce will be reduced pending opening of the underground mine.

"Diavik's long term future is in underground mining. Both Harry Winston and Rio Tinto have invested significantly in the underground mine construction and remain committed to construction to prepare Diavik for the long-term," according to a news release circulated by Harry Winston. 

Detailed information about the operation is posted at www.Diavik.ca.