Diavik provides Q2 2008 update

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (DDMI), the operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine, a diamond mine in the North Slave Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada, provides update on work during the second quarter of 2008.

The company claims that improved operating conditions has accelerated the ore production in the second quarter. Ore was mined predominantly from the A154 South kimberlite pipe, with smaller tonnages mined from the A154 North and A418 pipes. The A418 ore was mined as part of ongoing pre-stripping of waste overburden to prepare the second open pit.

This initial ore is low grade weathered kimberlite capping the pipe and diluted with overlying glacial till. Full scale open pit production from A418 is scheduled to begin in earnest late this year. Natural grade variation in the A154 pipes combined with the low grade nature of the A418 production of ore mixed with waste overburden material resulted in 2.522 million carats of diamonds being recovered during the quarter, 23 per cent below the same quarter of 2007.

The company has estimated its production to be from 10 to 10.5 million carats in 2008.

The Diavik Diamond Mine is located 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and is an unincorporated joint venture between DDMI (60%) and Harry Winston Diamond Mines Ltd. (40%).

Story link: Diavik provides Q2 2008 update