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Yellowknife, NWT
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May, 2026
Shining bright like a diamond: From arctic mines to global markets
Setting the scene
A diamond mined in the Canadian arctic could end up in an engagement ring—or a surgeon’s hand. Diamonds de Canada (DdC) has been able to create innovative products from diamonds mined in the Northwest Territories (NWT), such as speciality cut and polished diamonds and diamond jewellery for the global markets. They are also working on R&D related to robust surgical blades for eye operations.
DdC has also started the process of developing a new, official standard for grading diamond colour. This will help more Canadian businesses compete globally by delivering gems with greater consistency and less environmental impact, enhancing Canada’s reputation as a leader in both responsible mining and high-tech manufacturing.
In the NWT, diamonds have long been a cornerstone of the economy—pulled from the earth and shipped around the world. But more recently, DdC has been helping to shift the region from a source of raw materials into a hub of advanced manufacturing, where diamonds are not only mined, but also cut, polished, graded, and reimagined using cutting-edge technology.
With support from federal programs and research partners, the company is building a new model for keeping more value in the North, while strengthening local skills, businesses, and supply chains.
How we helped
What began as a problem-solving mission for DdC turned into a collaboration with Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) and its partners. DdC was looking for an institution that could perform Raman spectroscopy—a technique used to help identify the exact, quantifiable colour of the raw diamonds. AGS helped DdC secure funding, financing, expert advice and networking support for their efforts. The partnership not only enhanced the value of the NWT Polar Bear Diamonds, which are ethically sourced in Canada and of high quality, but also contributed to the overall economic development of the region.
As a participant in the AGS program, we are very honored and appreciative of both the financial and the advisor support received. It is with great anticipation and appreciation for the AGS program that we have been allowed the time to focus on the building blocks for a sustainable business of the north.
Benjamin King
CEO, Diamonds de Canada
The team
Research and development (R&D)
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) support helped fast-track advanced manufacturing processes. It streamlined production, boosted innovation, and enabled the company to adapt quickly while improving efficiency.
Funding and expertise
Funding, technical expertise and advisory services from National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) and Saskatchewan Research Council (Diamond Analytical Lab) helped create a scientific way to grade the color of natural diamonds. This process makes it easier to evaluate diamonds consistently, which helps sellers set fair prices and assess quality. It also boosts buyer confidence and could increase demand for ethically sourced diamonds.
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency provided funding to purchase key tools that work together to turn a rough diamond into a finished product by scanning the stone to understand its structure, mapping out the best way to cut it, and then cutting with precision. This boosts production, benefits both DdC and its customers, and encourages more innovation and new designs in the industry.
The impact
Scaling up advanced diamond cutting and polishing is about moving from small, expert-driven production to a repeatable, high-volume process without losing precision or quality. It’s a careful balance of technology, process control, and skilled oversight. By leveraging these advanced methods, DdC ensures that every diamond can be identified as natural, responsibly sourced, and of high quality.
With the support of AGS and its team of government partners, DdC is accelerating diamond mining in the NWT, driving regional economic development, and empowering the Indigenous workforce through skills development and promoting natural diamonds in the international market.