Argyle diamond mine - Quick facts

Argyle diamond mine is one of the most famous diamond mines in the world. It is located in East Kimberley region, Australia.

Argyle diamond mine is sometimes being referred as the pink diamond mine because it is the world's largest source of pink diamonds, accounting for more than 90% of the world's pink diamond supply. It is also world's largest source of red diamonds, the rarest natural colored diamonds.

Pink diamonds are not only colored diamonds associated with Argyle diamond mine. Argyle diamond mine is also a significant source of rare blue diamonds as well as cognac and champagne diamonds.

The Argyle diamond mine started as an open pit construction covering the area of around 110 acres. In 2008, Argyle ceased its open pit mining and moved underground.

Current estimates say Argyle diamond mine will continue to produce diamonds till at least 2018. The Argyle diamond mine started operating in 1985.

Unlike many other famous diamond mines Argyle is not located on a kimberlite pipe.

The Argyle diamond mine is the largest diamond mine in terms of natural diamond's production, averaging 35 million carats (7,000 kg) per year till 2008. However, only 5% of all mined diamonds are good to be used in jewelry while others are used for different industrial processes.

Around 80% of diamonds mined in Argyle are brown, followed by 16% yellow, 2% white, 2% grey, and less than 1% pink and green.