A diamond mine located in the Russian Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), named the Aikhal Underground Diamond Mine, has been commissioned.

This new mine is part of the Aikhal Integrated Mining and Processing Complex (Aikhal GOK), which until now has operated three open-pit diamond mines to support mining operations, as well as a number of social facilities.

It is estimated that the new underground mine will produce 500,000 tons of diamond ore annually for approximately 25 years.

To date a total of 9 billion Russian rubles has been invested in the diamond mine with staff currently numbering 380 people and due to increase to 600.

Discovered on January 22, 1960, the Aikhal diamond mine is located in the northwestern part of Yakutia.