Rio Tinto has appointed Matthew Breen chief operating officer of its Diavik Diamond Mine, effective Dec. 8.

Previously Diavik’s general manager of operations, Breen replaces Angela Bigg, who has headed Diavik for six years and will fill a different leadership role at Rio Tinto.

In his new position, Breen will lead the Northwest Territories mine and its 1,230 employees during the next phase of its development.

(Photo courtesy of Rio Tinto Diamonds)