Trans Hex sees strong sales, production from local operations

23rd February 2017 By: Megan van Wyngaardt - Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Improved market conditions have resulted in diamond mining company Trans Hex posting improved sales of R201.1-million from the group’s October 2016, December 2016 and February tender sales of diamonds recovered at its South African operations.

Some 16 447 ct of diamonds were sold at the tenders at an average price of $895/ct.

Six single diamonds were sold for more than $10 000/ct, including a four-carat diamond recovered at the Baken mine, in the Northern Cape, which sold for $27 245/ct.

Trans Hex produced 11 356 ct in the four months to January 31, with its 40%-owned West Coast Resources producing 26 030 ct in the same period. Sales from the subsidiary amounted to R83.9-million, with production fetching an average price of $158/ct.

Production at Trans Hex’s 33%-owned Somiluana mine, in Angola, reached 31 460 ct for the four months, with the mine realising $30.2-million from five tender sales held since September 2016 – selling 57 960 ct at an average price of $521/ct.

The next sale of South African production will be held in March. Somiluana conducts monthly sales.