MinRes and Curtin advance eDNA research for biodiversity monitoring

Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada has seen its final day of production after 23 years of operation.The mine which has produced more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds was discovered in 1991 beneath Lac de Gras, 220km south of the Arctic Circle.Mining began in 2003, utilising both open pit and underground mining methods to produce predominantly white gem quality diamonds and a small proportion of rare yellow diamonds.A celebration at the mine was attended by Indigenous Government Organisations, government representatives and other stakeholders to signal the formal completion of production.Diavik chief operating officer Matthew Breen says this milestone reflects the significance of the operation in the region.“Diavik has been an inspired collaboration between a modern mining company and Indigenous partners with an enduring legacy of socioeconomic benefits for the North” he said.“We look forward to continuing to respectfully reclaim the land in line with our commitments to, and in partnership with, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous partners.”Planning for closure has been underway since before production began, with closure objectives covering safety, land use, landforms, water and biodiversity and community capacity.Closure activities will extend to 2029, followed by a period of post-closure monitoring.Rio Tinto says the rough diamonds from the final production phase will be polished and sold through 2026 and beyond via its global customer network.

A fatal accident involving a contractor has occurred at Nickel Industries’ (ASX: NIC) Hengjaya mine in Indonesia.All operations have since been suspended at the mine pending an investigation by the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources which is expected to commence on March 27.The contractor, engaged by PT Fajar Metal Industry, was working on the construction of transmission lines for the slurry plant and dry stacked tailings facility infrastructure when the fatal accident occurred, according to Nickel Industries.The company said it is cooperating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and will provide further updates as they become available.Nickel Industries extended its condolences to the contractor’s family, friends and fellow workers and said support is being provided.

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has commissioned a new alumina conveyor at its BC Works smelter in Kitimat, Canada as part of a CA$135m investment to improve operational reliability at the site.The 1.1-kilometre system is designed to transport about 800,000tpa of alumina, providing a consistent supply of raw material for aluminium production.The infrastructure is designed with a 50-year operational life replacing current equipment dating back to the 1960s.Rio Tinto says the new system also delivers environmental benefits, with a sealed pipe design reducing particulate emissions by around 40% through improved material containment and fewer transfer points. The recovered alumina can be reintroduced into the production process, allowing for more efficient material handling.Rio Tinto BC Works general manager Simon Pascoe says the project strengthens a critical component of the smelter’s operations.“This project is a key milestone for Kitimat and a strong signal of our confidence in the future of our operations,” he said.Rio Tinto has operated in Kitimat for more than 70 years and continues to invest in its aluminium operations in British Columbia.