Ellie Goulding has apologised for promoting pink diamonds linked to an Australian mine facing concerns over its impact on Indigenous land. The singer said she was 'mortified' after learning about the issues tied to the Argyle mine in Western Australia.
The apology came after Goulding wore the jewellery at a London event for luxury jeweller Boodles earlier in October 2026. She said she was unaware of the concerns and promised not to wear diamonds from the mine again.
Goulding Admits Her Mistake
Goulding modelled pink diamond jewellery at a Boodles store event in London. The appearance came shortly after the jeweller took over the Argyle Pink Diamonds brand and its remaining stock from mining company Rio Tinto.
In her apology, Goulding said protecting the environment was a cause close to her heart. She admitted that promoting the jewellery did not match the values she had worked to support.
▫ Ellie's eco hypocrisy
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▫Ellie Goulding in hypocrisy row after promoting pink diamonds from toxic mine
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'I was not aware of the concerns surrounding the Argyle mine and I am grateful that it has been brought to my attention,' she said. Goulding added that the affected Indigenous and local communities 'deserve better'.
The singer also made a clear promise about her future choices. 'You will certainly not see me wearing diamonds originating from the Argyle mine again,' she said, adding that she wanted to learn from the mistake and do better.
Why the Mine Faces Questions
The Argyle mine is in Western Australia's Kimberley region. It operated for 37 years before mining ended on 3 November 2020, and it was known for producing rare pink diamonds.
However, the end of mining has not ended concerns about the site. The Gelganyem Group, which represents the land's traditional owners, has raised questions about the area's condition and the risks that could remain after mining.
One issue raised by the group involves PFAS, chemicals often called 'forever chemicals' because they can remain in the environment for a long time. The group has called for traditional owners to have access to their land without leaving unresolved risks for future generations.
Rio Tinto Responds to Concerns
Rio Tinto said it was carrying out major mine closure work, including efforts to restore the land. The company also said long-term monitoring and maintenance would follow.
The mining company acknowledged the role of traditional owners as custodians of the land. It added that it was still speaking with the Gelganyem Group and its representatives about the closure process, including concerns over PFAS.
The group's response to Goulding's apology showed why the issue matters beyond a celebrity's choice of jewellery. Its chair, Kia Dowell, welcomed the singer's recognition of the concerns and said she hoped the case would help more people understand what is at stake at Argyle.
Goulding's Environmental Work
The apology has drawn attention because Goulding has spent years speaking about environmental protection. She serves as a global goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and is also an ambassador for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
WWF said it takes the effects of mining on the environment and Indigenous and local communities seriously. The organisation also said it had discussed the issue with Goulding and continued to value her support.
Goulding's response makes clear that she accepts she should have looked more closely at the background of the diamonds she wore. However, the wider questions about the mine's cleanup, the land, and the people connected to it remain for the companies involved and the relevant communities to address.
