Namdeb seeks to improve diamond recovery with new technology

Diamond miner Namdeb has approved a N$150 million ($19.2 million) funding to replace its existing Mining Area 1 Recovery Plant with a state-of-the-art Red Area Complex in Oranjemund.
It said in a statement that the Red Area Complex would be responsible for the final recovery and sorting of diamonds from concentrates produced from its other land-based diamond treatment plants.
Some of the key benefits that the Red Area Complex would bring included improved recoveries, a substantial reduction in the plant’s carbon footprint, a safer working environment, reduced potential diamond theft and reduced annual operating costs, as well as lower power and water consumption.
“The existing facility was built during the 1960s and is showing its age despite several upgrades over the years. With the new facility, the potential for improved efficiency of diamond recovery, security of the diamond product and lower costs of annual operation provide very attractive reasons for the establishment of the new complex,” Namdeb said.
Namdeb’s General Manager Riaan Burger said the new Red Area Complex demonstrated the company’s commitment to continuously improving its operations.
The project would be completed early 2013.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished