Wednesday, June 20, 2012


Rio Tinto appoints new Managing director of the Argyle Diamond Mine
20 June 2012

Rio Tinto has announced the appointment of Mr Kim Truter as Managing director of the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, effective from July 1. Mr Truter is an experienced mining executive who has held a number of senior roles within Rio Tinto, most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada. Commenting on the new appointment, Mr Bruce Cox, Managing director of Rio Tinto Diamonds said, "I am delighted with Kim’s appointment and his extensive experience will be invaluable in leading the future development of the Argyle Diamond Mine." Mr Truter has a record of significant achievements in his previous roles, notably in the areas of health and safety performance, business improvement and engaging with local communities and government. Mr Truter, who was instrumental in leading the development of underground mining at the Diavik Diamond Mine, commented, "The Argyle Diamond Mine is an iconic Australian operation and it plays an important role in Rio Tinto’s global diamonds business. I am looking forward to working with the team at such an exciting time in Argyle’s growth and development.”

About Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine

The Argyle Diamond Mine is located in Western Australia, 2,500km from Perth and is 100 per cent owned by Rio Tinto. Argyle is the world’s largest producer of coloured diamonds and the world’s only consistent producer of rare pink diamonds. Production from the Argyle mine commenced in 1985 and has since produced almost 800 million carats. Argyle is currently transitioning to an underground mine below the existing open pit mine which will extend its mine life to at least 2019.

About Rio Tinto’s diamonds business

Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It is one of the world's major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.

Rio Tinto's share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. 

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borates, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

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