Mumbai: Rio Tinto recently completed the inaugural rough diamond viewing at the India Diamond Trading Centre (IDTC) – India’s first SNZ – in Mumbai’s Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB).  The viewing was held from November 23 to November 25, 2015. The selection on view included rough diamonds from Rio’s Argyle and Diavik mines. After completion of the viewing, the diamonds were sent back to Antwerp for auction.

“These viewings, the first to be held at the India Diamond Trading Centre, provided an improved level of access and efficiency for local companies and were very well attended by India-based traders and manufacturers,” Rio Tinto said in a statement.

Patrick Coppens, general manager of sales for Rio Tinto’s diamonds business commented: “We are delighted to be the first producer to use the state-of-the-art India Diamond Trading Centre facility for diamond viewings and congratulate the Bharat Diamond Bourse and Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council on setting up a solid infrastructure and processes to make this a success. Our presence at the India Diamond Trading Centre in Mumbai underscores our mine to market approach and commitment to staying close to our customers for all our sales channels. ”