Rio Tinto subsidiary Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada's Northwest Territories, has appointed Niels Kristensen as the company's new President and Chief Operating Officer.  He officially began as Diavik's senior executive on November 22.

With Rio Tinto since 1989, Kristensen joins Diavik from the Murowa Diamond Mine in Zimbabwe where he was Managing Director. A chemical engineer with finance experience, Kristensen's career also includes management positions with Rio Tinto operations in Australia, South Africa, and London.

"Diavik is a leader in workplace health and safety, operational performance, and externally through its environmental protection and community relations," says Kristensen. "I look forward to working with employees, and all our partners including local communities, governments, and businesses to ensure our continued success," he adds. "Diavik has a strong future as a safe, efficient, and profitable business beyond the year 2020."

The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 km. northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is an unincorporated joint venture between Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (60%) and Harry Winston Diamond Limited Partnership (40%). Both companies are headquartered in Yellowknife, Canada.