Supporters of the moratorium, which expires in 2032, say new mining activity will likely boost the risk of uranium-contaminated water flowing into the Canyon.
The four-day review that begins today marks the first time in 20 years the NIRB has been asked to reconsider a decision on a project and go through another review process.
The rock, a 5.36-carat green gem quality octahedron rough diamond, was unearthed at the company's Krone-Endora project, located next to the world’s third largest diamond mine.
If NASA is successful in its mission to 16 Psyche, one of the most massive asteroids found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, humans will have a first ever chance of exploring a world made of iron, not rock or ice.