05 March, 2014
Rio Tinto has announced its first rough diamonds tender for 2014 to be held in Israel and Antwerp from 9 March to the 28 March.
Comprising 124 lots of rough diamonds from its Argyle (Australian), Diavik (Canadian) and Murowa (Zimbabwean) mines, the tender showcases a unique combination of white and fancy coloured rough diamonds. Notable diamonds include:
A 70 carat white diamond from the Diavik mine.
Several fancy and intense yellow diamonds from all three mines.
Several large dark brown diamonds from the Argyle mine.
A range of extremely rare natural pink rough diamonds from the Argyle mine.
Several purple diamonds from the Diavik mine.
Patrick Coppens, General manager of sales for Rio Tinto Diamonds said, “This Tender offers an opportunity to view and bid for the full suite of Rio Tinto’s diverse diamond productions, for which there is continued strong global demand.”
Whilst the majority of Rio Tinto’s rough diamond production continues to be sold in Antwerp through two year supply agreements with designated Select Diamantaires, Rio Tinto offers specific product segments for sale to a wider community of invited companies. A proprietary auction mechanism is used for this sale format.
Diamond companies interested in participating in the Rio Tinto’s Specials Tender and those who wish to schedule a viewing appointment in Antwerp can make contact through the details provided below. Viewings in Israel are fully booked.
About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.
Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing office in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, and the first mining company to be certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council. Website: www.riotintodiamonds.com
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto’s business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borates, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America. Website: www.riotinto.com