Rio Tinto Diamonds has eliminated 121 jobs at its Argyle Diamond mine in West Australia, according to ABC and other local sources.

However, Rio has guaranteed alternative employment for all those workers at other mines.

Argyle’s chief operations manager, Kevin McLeish, reportedly told ABC Rural the cuts are necessary for the mine’s long-term future.

“This was always part of our transition from open-cut mining to underground mining,” he said.

According to the Australian Financial Review, Rio says it is “committed” to continuing underground mining at Argyle.

JCK