According to industry analysts, BHP Billiton’s continued attempts to buy out all shares of Rio Tinto, and in turn Rio Tinto considering a reverse bid for BHP, could considerably alter the world diamond scenario, of Canada in particular.%%In view of Rio declining the $140 billion offer as being too low, and its reverse bid for BHP, both firms may be looking at selling their non-core assets in order to raise funds. These include BHP’s 80% in Ekati, Rio’s 60% stake in Diavik, its 80% holding in Murowa mine, and the Argyle diamond mine in Australia. John Kinsey, a portfolio manager at Caldwell Securities, opined that BHP and Rio were more likely to retain their core metal holdings, and discard precious metals.%%Desjardins Securities' analyst John Hughes suggested that Rio's Diavik stake would probably be up for sale as it was in the earlier stages of its mining life. This is also following Harry Winston Diamond Corp’s interest in purchasing Rio’s share it became available, apart from the 40% it already owns.%%According to the Reuters report, De Beers Canada spokeswoman Linda Dorrington mentioned that the company views Canada as a growth platform, and may consider buying assets at a beneficial price and time.