Diamonds are a girl's best friend...
The Argyle diamond mine, 100% owned by Rio Tinto, was one of the world's largest suppliers of diamonds, producing approximately 20 million carats each year from its operations in the East Kimberley Region, in the remote north of Western Australia. It was the last operating diamond mine in Australia, famous for pink diamonds and producing over 90% of the world's pink diamonds. The mine ceased production in late 2020, after 37 years, and there is hope tours will continue into 2021. Since 2007, Miriwoong traditional owner and operator of Luridgii Tours Ted Hall has taken thousands of people through the mine to show them the cultural significance of the area. He hopes visitors will still be able to visit the site during the closure. Rio Tinto are committed to respectfully closing and rehabilitating the mine, and returning the land to its traditional custodians.