Rio Tinto in North America (PDF 957 KB

In Canada, Rio Tinto
owns a 60 percent
interest in Diavik
Diamond Mines,
a 59 percent interest
in IOC, Canada’s
largest supplier of iron
ore, and Rio Tinto Iron
and Titanium, which is
operated through
QIT-Fer et Titane Inc.
In Canada
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
Rio Tinto holds a 60 percent interest in
the Diavik mine that is operated by
Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., based in
Yellowknife, Canada. After a highly
successful construction and
commissioning, the Diavik mine, located
on an island in a large sub-Arctic lake in
Canada's remote north, began
production in January 2003. Diavik was
instrumental in making Canada the
world's third largest diamond producer
by value. Diavik's mine plan includes
open pit and underground mining of
three kimberlite ore bodies located
under shallow waters of Lac de Gras.
Retention structures, or dikes, safely
hold back lake waters to allow mining.
The first dike was completed in 2002
and construction of the second dike
began in spring 2005. Diavik's reserves
are 29.8 metric tonnes at 3.2 carats
per tonne (December 2004) with total
mine life estimated at 16 to 22 years.
An aerial view of the Diavik mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Diamond production
started in 2003. Access to the mine is by air and a unique seasonal ice road over which all fuel,
explosives, and bulk commodities are transported during its annual two month winter life.
5 Rio Tinto in North America
Diavik has built strong local community
partnerships in the areas of social
economics and environmental
stewardship, and formalized these
commitments in a suite of agreements.
Rio Tinto's 60 percent share of rough
diamonds is marketed exclusively
through Rio Tinto Diamonds of Antwerp.
IOC
Rio Tinto owns a 59 percent interest in
the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC),
which has been Canada's premier
supplier of iron ore for five decades. IOC
began mining operations in 1952 and
has more than 20 years of reserves at
current production levels. IOC, which
sells its products into North America,
Europe and Asia, operates a surface
mine, concentrator and iron ore pellet
making plant at Labrador City in
Newfoundland and Labrador province.
IOC also operates a 420 kilometer
railway that links the mine to the port
facilities at Sept-Iles, in Quebec province
on the north shore of the St Lawrence
River Gulf. IOC operations are ISO
14001:2004 registered.
www.ironore.ca