Singer Ellie Goulding has apologised after wearing diamonds from Western Australia's controversial Argyle mine at a London event, admitting she was unaware of the concerns surrounding the mine.
The 39-year-old was the 'guest of honour' at the flagship store launch for jewellery brand Boodles earlier this month, wearing a necklace and earrings made of pink diamonds. The diamonds came from the Argyle mine, which ceased operations in November 2020 but had long faced complaints from Indigenous people over serious land damage.
Goulding admits she 'fell short'
Goulding, who has previously spoken out in support of Indigenous communities, faced backlash for wearing the £500,000 gems. In an apology, she said: 'Protecting the environment is a cause close to my heart. I always strive to uphold those values. Regretfully, in this instance, I fell short.'
'I was not aware of the concerns surrounding the Argyle mine and I am grateful that it has been brought to my attention. You will certainly not see me wearing diamonds originating from the Argyle mine again. The Indigenous and local communities affected deserve better,' she added.
'While I am mortified to have made this error in judgment, I am letting this moment serve as a reminder and an opportunity to continue to question the status quo, to learn and do better.'
Background on the Argyle mine and its impact
The 'Starry Eyed' singer was made an MBE for services to biodiversity and the climate last year and is a goodwill ambassador for the UN environment programme. She is also an ambassador for WWF, which campaigns against the environmental damage of mining and its impact on Indigenous communities.
Boodles had acquired the pink diamonds from mining company Rio Tinto at the start of the month. The deal included the remaining stock of the diamonds but not ownership of the now defunct mine. Around 90% of the world's supply of pink diamonds came from the Argyle mine, which operated for around four decades.
In 2025, a report by Gelganyem detailed the scale of the mine's environmental impact, claiming 'forever chemicals' had left the land 'restricted'. The report stated: 'Land use will be permanently restricted due to soil, groundwater and surface water contamination from PFAS (the 'forever chemical') and hydrocarbons.' The mining has also allegedly harmed Indigenous burial grounds and a ceremonial cave containing art.
Reactions from Gelganyem and Rio Tinto
Gelganyem chair Kia Dowell said: 'Traditional owners have confirmed that we are unwilling to accept a site that is contaminated with forever chemicals.' The group told The Mirror they 'acknowledge' Goulding's apology and 'welcome her recognition that Indigenous and local communities deserve better', adding they hope it helps the public and Rio Tinto shareholders understand what is at stake at Argyle and the standard Rio Tinto's mine closure must meet.
Rio Tinto responded: 'Mining at Argyle in Western Australia ended in 2020 after 37 years, and we are currently undertaking major mine closure works, including rehabilitation, with long-term monitoring and maintenance to follow. We acknowledge traditional owners as custodians of country. We are continuing to talk to them and their representatives, the Gelganyem Group, about closure, including Pfas.'
A source said Goulding has 'no ongoing or substantial' relationship with Boodles, who have not commented on the diamonds. The acquisition was said to have been announced just before the flagship launch, which 'may help explain why the connection was missed'.
