Rio Tinto Output Down after Fatal Plane Crash
April 21, 24
(IDEX Online) - Rio Tinto production fell by over a fifth during the first quarter of 2024 after a plane destined for its remote Diavik mine, in Canada, crashed, killing six people.
The world's second-largest metals and mining corporation, said output at its only diamond mine fell 22 per cent to 740,000 carats.
Rio Tinto said production was reduced "due to a production pause to grieve and honour lost colleagues".
Four workers building the mine's winter road and two crew members died in January when a Northwest Air Jetstream twin turboprop airliner crashed moments after take-off from Fort Smith Airport.
"We have been deeply affected by the loss of four Diavik colleagues and two airline crew members in a plane crash in January," said Rio Tinto's chief executive Jakob Stausholm in the company's first quarter production results. "This tragedy has strengthened our resolve to never be complacent about safety."
Production at Diavik in Q4 2023 was down by 50 per cent - from 1.3m carats to 659,000 carats - following the closure of two kimberlite pipes - one underground, the other open pit. Production for FY 2023 was 3.34m carats.
The miner said it had transferred ownership and operational responsibilities for its Fort a La Corne diamond project in Saskatchewan, Canada, to Star Diamond Corporation in exchange for shares.
Pic shows Diavik mine, courtesy Rio Tinto.