JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Production has continued to improve at Aim-listed BlueRock Diamonds’ Kareevlei mine, in Kimberley, with total tonnage for July expected to reach about 20 000 t, a 35% increase on the 14 427 t achieved in June.
BlueRock is aiming for a monthly target of 25 000 t by the fourth quarter of this year.
“We are encouraged by the increase in monthly production, following the mine, plant and design optimisation work undertaken this year, as we approach our target of 25 000 t/m.
“As we move into deeper ground in line with our mine plan, following the final blast of upper level kimberlite in early August, we expect grades to continue to improve,” said CEO Adam Waugh.
Meanwhile, the company sold a parcel of 330 ct at an average price of $395/ct in a tender held this month.
The tender included BlueRock’s highest dollar per carat valuation to date of $7 054 for a 5.5 ct diamond.
“It is particularly pleasing to be achieving such a high average value for our production without relying on large diamonds,” said Waugh.