Rockwell Diamonds boosts Q3 output despite operational challenges

Rockwell Diamonds said its diamond output leaped 12 percent year-on-year during the third quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2013 ended November 30, in spite of operational challenges and on-going industrial action at Tirisano mine, in South Africa.
It produced 5 950 ct during the period under review compared to 5,334 ct realised a year earlier.
“Our overall throughput and diamond production volumes are consistently tracking closer to expectations, with stable overall diamond production of 5 950 ct for the quarter,” Rockwell chief executive James Campbell said.
“We are pleased with the continued performance at the Saxendrift complex, whose diamond yield increased by 59 percent, including the bulk X-ray system that will be key to any future Rockwell mine developments in the region.”
Combined diamond production at the Saxendrift Complex including the bulk X-ray project yielded 3 077 ct, the company said.
Meanwhile, Rockwell said carat recovery at the Klipdam mine declined by 9 percent to 1 957 ct as a result of mining a slightly lower grade area.
Tirisano, which was recently placed under care and maintenance due to “persistent industrial relations issues” as well as continued losses, recorded an output of 381 carats, a 69 percent drop when compared to 1,244 carats produced a year earlier.

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