Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. announced its decision to cancel a winter production shutdown at the Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Earlier this year, Diavik had announced a series of actions in response to changes in market conditions, including plans for a summer and winter production shutdown. The summer shutdown was safely and successfully concluded on August 24 and rough diamond production has returned to pre shutdown levels.

The winter shutdown was originally planned for 1 December 2009 through 11 January 2010.

During the summer production shutdown Diavik remained in compliance with all permits and licences. Mining and processing of ore ceased but other work, including environmental monitoring, raising of the embankment around the processed kimberlite containment area, and planned equipment maintenance occurred.

Approximately 600 workers were affected but were able to use accumulated leave entitlements or access salary averaging.

JCK