Argyle diamond mine at the Ekati mine, both in Canada. However, Argyle has two to four times the concentration of diamonds (ore grade) of these mines. This makes extraction economically feasible, as mine costs are mostly related to the amount of ore processed, not the amount of diamond extracted. In 2005, Rio Tinto was given the go-ahead to a future expansion project, moving it from an open pit to an underground mine. This plan was postponed; in September 2010 Rio Tinto announced fresh plans to develop an underground mine beneath the existing pit, increasing annual production to 9 million tonnes of ore. The
Tale of Ekati first. He is named for the Ekati Diamond Mine, discovered by a group which included Fipke. After three straight poor performances, in May 2009 Tale of Ekati was retired from racing. He was sent to Darby Dan Farm to stand stallion duties. His top progeny include 2015 Preakness runner-up Tale of Verve, 2017 Louisiana Derby winner Girvin, Comely Stakes winner Verve's Tale (Tale of Verve's full sister), graded stakes placed Tale of S'avall, and 2015 Davona Dale Stakes winner Ekati's Phaeton. His 2017 stud fee is $7,500. Tale of Ekati Tale of Ekati (foaled March 31, 2005]) is a retired