Ekati Half-Year Production Up 31%
January 23, 08 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
Diamond production at the Ekati diamond mine totaled 1.865 million carats for the half year and 843,000 carats for the quarter, both ended December 2007, Mining giant BHP Billiton reported. The half-year total was a 31 percent increase over the previous year period, but, year-over-year, the quarter total meant a 10 percent production decrease.
BHP Billiton explained that as Canada’s Ekati transitions from open pit to underground mining, the mix of ore processed will change from time to time. In addition, although production for the half year increased significantly compared to December 2006, the production included a higher proportion of lower value carats.
Carat production decreased compared to the December 2006 and September 2007 quarters due to lower recoveries and grade.
