Diavik Diamond Mine

　　The Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada is situated in the North Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, about 300 kilometers from the region’s well-known city, Yellowknife. The mine is expected to remain operational for 16 to 22 years. Currently, it employs 700 miners and produces 8 million carats (1,600 kilograms) of diamonds annually, making it one of the most famous diamond-producing mines in Canada and the world.

　　The Diavik Diamond Mine is an exceptionally unique open-pit mining site in a very remote location. It extends 220 kilometers from the Arctic Circle onto an island spanning 20 square kilometers, connected to the outside world only by a frozen road, which makes transportation extremely challenging. As a result, the mine has its own airport capable of accommodating Boeing 737 jet aircraft. Since March 2010, the mine has transitioned to underground mining, digging deeper over time. Now, this man-made scar on the Earth is clearly visible from space.

　　Diavik Diamond Mine Reason to visit: One of the world’s most renowned diamond mining sites Continent: North America Country/Region: Canada Province/Territory: Northwest Territories