'Very special and rare find'
One of the largest diamonds in North America found at Diavik this year
Shane Magee
Northern News Services
Friday, December 4, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The president and CEO of Diavik Diamond Mines describes the 187.7 carat rough diamond found earlier this year at its mine as an "exceptional find."
The 187.7 carat rough diamond called the Diavik Foxfire that was recovered at the Diavik Diamond mine earlier this year. - photo courtesy of Diavik Diamond Mines |
"This will be one of the largest finds in North America," Marc Cameron told Yellowknifer the day after Rio Tinto, the mine's majority owner, unveiled the gem-quality diamond at Kensington Palace in London, England.
"It's a very special and rare find," he said. The company hasn't released an approximate value.
"That's crazy," said April Tran, co-owner of Arctic Jewellers in the Centre Square Mall when she heard about the diamond.
"That's really good news. I'm excited about that. More people will know about Yellowknife," she said.
The average diamond that customers purchase with a ring is half a carat, she said.
It's an exciting discovery said Dylan Dix, the marketing director of the company that operates the NWT Diamond Centre here in the city. The centre shows visitors how the stones make it from mine to market.
"Exceptional diamonds such as these are the stuff that dreams are made on," said Dix, of Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd.
"They make the diamond dream a reality and represent a tremendous legacy to the industry in the Northwest Territories."
Dix hopes Rio Tinto will document the story of the diamond and that it can be shared through the Diamond Centre for visitors.
Cameron, in a phone interview from London, said the find and showcase of the diamond at Kensington Palace brings added attention to the Divaik mine and those who work there.
As well, it brings attention to mining in the North.
The large diamond, appearing to be about the size of a ping pong ball in photos, was given the Dene name Noi?eh Kwe.
That name came from aboriginal leaders the company consulted. The name refers to caribou and to the island where the mine is located.
"That was very important to us," he said about bestowing the name.
"I am very pleased that this has been named to honour the area of the caribou crossing, as this has been important to the Tlicho since time immemorial," stated Tlicho Grand Chief Edward Erasmus in a news release.
The diamond is expected to be sent to Antwerp for an assessment and planning for what to do with it next.
Cameron said it could be cut into a single large stone, or several smaller ones.
"It's journey is just beginning," he said.
- with files from Simon Whitehouse
