BHP Billiton auctions ‘Ekati Spirit’ diamond in Antwerp on Valentine's Day

Mining giant BHP Billiton auctioned a 78-carat rough diamond called ‘Ekati Spirit’ in Antwerp on Valentine's Day for more than $6 million, according to media reports.

The diamond is from BHP Billiton’s Ekati mine in the remote NorthWest Territories in Canada.

Ekati spokesperson Alexander Legaree, described the stone as the most significant find in the 13 years the mine has been in operation and said that the diamond was meant to represent the people of Canada’s North. Legaree declined to identify the buyer.

BHP Billiton invited a select group of 70 potential buyers to the sale. 

The name ‘Ekati Spirit’ was suggested by Terry Marshall, a warehouse technician from the Ekati truck stop after BHP Billiton invited staff and contractors to suggest a name for the diamond.