The Harry Winston Diamond Corporation has announced that Diavik Diamond Mines has decided to cancel a winter production shutdown at the Diavik diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories.

Earlier this year, Diavik announced a series of cutbacks due to changes in market conditions, including plans for a summer and winter diamond production shutdown. The summer shutdown was completed on August 24 and rough diamond production has currently returned to pre-shutdown levels. The winter shutdown, which was originally planned for December 1 2009 through January 11 2010, has been cancelled.

Robert Gannicott, Chairman and CEO of Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, noted: "We are pleased to be able to resume regular supplies of Diavik diamonds to our valued customer base who, in turn, appreciate continuity of supply in support of their own businesses. We do not foresee a return to extreme conditions that would warrant a further shutdown."

Underground diamond production will commence in early 2010 at the Diavik diamond mine, which is currently an open pit mine. By 2012, open pit mining is expected to cease and Diavik will become an all underground diamond mine.