China files appeal to WTO on Canada’s tariffs on EVs, metal products
Canada began imposing on Tuesday a 100% levy on EVs shipped from China, having also announced in late August a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum products.
Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) said on Thursday that it has completed the development and construction of Phase 1 of the A21 underground mine expansion at its Diavik diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and is now moving the underground mine into commercial production.
The miner said last year it was going ahead with a US$40 million expansion of Diavik, which will extend the operation’s life to at least early 2026.
Phase 2 of the A21 underground project was approved earlier this year with an additional investment of US$17 million.
Phase one below A21 is slated to produce an extra 1.4 million carats, with phase two adding another 800,000 carats.
The construction of the A21 underground mine involved the development of over 1,800 metres of underground tunnels to access the orebody and begin underground production.
Rio said there were no lost time injuries after more than 100,000 labour hours completed over 20 months during the development and construction work.
“The A21 underground operation is positive news for our employees, partners, suppliers and local communities in the Northwest Territories, as it will enable operations to continue through to closure,” Diavik mine chief operating officer of Matt Breen said in the statement.
“Rio Tinto’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 is a testament to the excellent performance of our Diavik team in successfully developing the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit,” Breen said, adding that the company is continuing its investment in preparing for the closure and remediation of Diavik mine site, focusing on progressive reclamation activities such as earthworks, site clean-up, and equipment procurement.
Diavik, 100% owned and operated by Rio Tinto, is one of Canada’s largest diamond mines in terms of volume of rough diamonds, having produced over 144 million carats of rough diamonds since mining began in 2003.
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