Sustainability
We’re protecting your diamond’s heritage
The rugged, natural beauty of the East Kimberley region of Western Australia is the fitting birthplace of Argyle’s spectacular pink diamonds. Each of these unique gems contains stories of this ancient, isolated landscape, where traditional Aboriginal owners have lived in co-existence with the land for tens of thousands of years. As but a fleeting visitor in this precious environment, we work in respectful partnership with the local indigenous people of the East Kimberley to protect all sites of cultural significance, to protect local water sources and to rehabilitate the landscape with native plant species that are important to Aboriginal people. On a broader environmental scale, our energy efficiency programs are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the mining process.
While all mines inevitably leave their mark, Argyle is endeavouring to leave behind the smallest environmental footprint possible.
Your diamond is making a difference
Argyle’s precious pink diamonds are mined in a region of Western Australia that has traditionally suffered significant social and economic disadvantage. Thankfully, we are able to help redress this imbalance through the sharing of our wealth and our expertise. Under a landmark Land Use Agreement signed with local Traditional Owners, income from the Argyle mine is being used to fund community development initiatives for local Aboriginal people, now and for many generations to come. And by providing training, employment and business development opportunities – and supporting local health and education initiatives – we are helping to develop the infrastructure for local communities to generate their own wealth well beyond the life of the mine.
Argyle’s mining operations will help leave behind a much healthier, wealthier and stronger East Kimberley.
Be assured of your diamond’s integrity
There are many hands involved in the delivery to market of a finished Argyle pink diamond, and the details of this journey are as important to us as they are to you. Argyle, like other diamond producers in Rio Tinto, adheres to strict industry practices to ensure the integrity of its diamonds, from mine to retail. You can therefore be assured that your Argyle pink diamond has never been used to fund conflict, and that all companies involved in its production chain employ fair trade practices and meet international environmental standards.
Quite simply, our customers expect ethical business practices. And we expect them of our customers too.
We are at the vanguard of reform in the diamond industry
In keeping with our desire to encourage ethical business conduct throughout
the jewellery industry, Rio Tinto was a founding member of the Council For Responsible Jewellery Practices, which has recently been renamed the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Concerned with global standards across the entire jewellery supply chain—from mining through manufacturing to the retail showcase—the RJC has developed Principles and a Code of Practices to which all members must adhere. Rio Tinto is fully committed to this vital initiative.
Argyle pink are indeed sustainable products, mined with care.