Rio Tinto Minerals has named Angela Bigg the President and Chief Operating Officer operator of their Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Angela will be the first female to oversee the mine and its 1,100 employees.

“A lasting, positive legacy.”
Angela commented on the appointment:
It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the Diavik Diamond Mine. During my time with Diavik, I have continued to be inspired by the innovative and hard-working individuals that make up our team. Without their dedication and effort, we would not be the world class diamond mine we are today. I will ensure that we continue on our path of excellence to leave a lasting, positive legacy in the Northwest Territories.

Angela began her career with Rio Tinto in 2005 and has worked in Mozambique, South Africa and her native Australia. She joined the Diavik team in November of 2017 as Vice President of Finance, and succeeds outgoing President Richard Storrie, who leaves the company to pursue other opportunities.
Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive Sinead Kaufman commented:
Angela has a deep knowledge of our people and our operations, as well as established relationships with local communities. I’m delighted she will be will be Diavik’s first female president, as we continue to focus on supplying customers with high quality, responsibly sourced Canadian diamonds, while preparing to leave a positive legacy in partnership with our community and government partners.

The Diavik Mine
The Diavik Diamond Mine comprises four diamond-bearing pipes from which ore is extracted using a combination of open pit and underground mining. Frequently seen in photos, the mine was established with technology and techniques to hold back the waters of Lac de Gras in a way that minimizes environmental impact and permits water quality and fish stocks to be monitored.
In 2012 an award-winning wind farm was constructed at Diavik to offset diesel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When Diavik’s diamond resources are exhausted the area will be rehabilitated. The buildings on site were designed to be removed, after which the embankments will be reclaimed and lake water will flow back into the open pit.