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Argyle Diamond Mine Delivers Final Production

After 37 years of operations, Rio Tinto's Argyle mine in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia marked its final day of mining, having depleted its economic reserves.

By Adorian Assets Team

The Argyle ore body, known as AK1, was discovered in October 1979, with alluvial operations starting in 1983, followed by open-cast mining in 1985, and the transition to an entirely underground operation in 2013. Over its operational span, the mine has produced over 865 million carats of rough diamonds, making it the world’s largest producer of coloured diamonds and a primary source of rare pink diamonds.

To mark the formal transition from an operational mine to the beginning of closure, an event was held at the mine, attended by Argyle employees and local stakeholders. The closure process is anticipated to take around five years, involving decommissioning, dismantling, and rehabilitation, followed by a monitoring period. Post the final mining and diamond production activities, Argyle will continue to employ a reduced workforce, contributing to the local economy.

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Andrew Wilson, General Manager of the Argyle mine, commented on the historic day, stating, “This is a historic day for the Argyle mine and the East Kimberley region and a great source of pride for this unique Australian success story. A new chapter will begin as we start the process of respectfully closing the Argyle mine and rehabilitating the land to be handed back to its traditional custodians.”