The white gem-quality rough is one of the largest ever discovered in Canada

Rio Tinto has uncovered a 187.7 ct. diamond in the Diavik Diamond Mine, located in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The white gem-quality rough diamond, one of the largest ever found in Canada, is being showcased at an exclusive preview at Kensington Palace in London before it is taken to Antwerp for further assessment.

The rough diamond has been given two names: the Diavik Foxfire, after the mine where it was uncovered, and Noi?eh Kwe, an indigenous name, in honor of the Tlicho, the First Nations people who have long lived in the area where it was found. 

“I am very pleased that this has been named to honor the area of the caribou crossing, as this has been important to the Tlicho since time immemorial,” said Grand Chief Edward Erasmus from the Tlicho government.

“In a landscape so pristine and precious to traditional lifestyles, we have seen and continue to see an inspired collaboration between local indigenous people and a modern mining company,” said Diavik Diamond Mines president and chief operating officer Marc Cameron.

“We are delighted to showcase this exceptional, two-billion-year-old Canadian diamond,” said Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr. “Its ancient beginnings, together with the fortitude, finesse, and innovative technology required to unearth a diamond in the challenging sub-arctic environment, make it a true miracle of nature.”

Rio Tinto owns a 60 percent interest in and operates the Diavik Diamond Mine. The mine commenced production in 2003. 

(Photo courtesy of Rio Tinto)

JCK