Diavik Reports Decrease in Q2 Production to 2.522 Mln Carats
July 27, 08
A total of 2.522 million carats was recovered from the Diavik diamond mine during the second quarter of 2008, according to an operations update provided by mine operator Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. This is a 23 percent decrease over the second quarter of 2007.
The decrease in production over the previous year was a result of “natural grade variation in the A154 pipes combined with the low grade nature of the A418 production of ore mixed with waste overburden material,” a statement released by Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, the mine’s 40 percent owner, said.
Diamond production for the full year is now projected to be from 10 to 10.5 million carats, the release stated.
Despite the decrease in total carat recovery, ore production accelerated in the quarter due to improved operating conditions. Work continues to prepare the mine for underground mining, which is projected to begin in 2009, replacing open pit mining by 2012.
In other capital work, a C$50 million (US$49 million) project was approved to make additions and modifications to the ore processing plant to recover very small diamonds, reflecting good market demand for that product. The first recovery of small diamonds is expected towards the end of 2009.