Rio Tinto Diamonds has announced its diamond production results for 2017: the miner produced 21.63 million carats of rough diamonds last year – 20.46% higher compared to its production in 2016.
According to Gem Konnect, Rio Tinto produced 17.14 million carats in its Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia – 23% higher year-on-year. The mine produced 6.15 million carats in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Diavik mine in Canada produced 4.49 million carats – 12% higher year-on-year. The mine produced 1.06 million carats in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Overall, Rio Tinto said that it expects to produce between 17 and 20 million carats in 2018.
