Published: 06 March 2014

Rio Tinto has announced the dates of its first rough diamond tender of 2014, which will be held in Israel and Antwerp from March 9 to 28.

The tender will offer 124 lots from the Argyle (Australian), Diavik (Canadian) and Murowa (Zimbabwe) diamond mines.

The tender also showcases a unique combination of white and fancy coloured rough diamonds.

In statement, Patrick Coppens, the general manager of sales for Rio Tinto Diamonds, said: "This tender offers an opportunity to view and bid for the full suite of Rio Tinto’s diverse diamond production, for which there is continued strong global demand."

While the majority of Rio Tinto's rough diamond production continues to be sold in Antwerp through two-year supply agreements with designated Select Diamantaires, Rio Tinto offers specific product segments for sale to a wider community of invited companies. A proprietary auction mechanism is used for this sale format.

Notable diamonds also showcased in the tender include, a 70-carat white diamond from Diavik Mine; several fancy and intense yellow diamonds from all three mines; several large dark brown diamonds from the Argyle Mine; a range of extremely rare natural pink rough diamonds from Argyle Mine, and several purple diamonds from Diavik Mine.
- BH24

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