BHP Billiton Quarterly Diamond Production Doubles to 1.022 Million Cts
October 23, 07
Mining giant BHP Billiton’s quarterly production was 1.022 million carats, a 110 percent increase from 2006, when production stood at 487,000 carats. BHP’s diamond production rose 12 percent compared to the June quarter.
The increased production was attributed to higher recoveries and grade; it included, however, a higher proportion of lower-value carats.
It should be noted that the results represent BHP’s 80 percent stake in Ekati, and the mines full production.
The company also noted that, as the Canadian mine transitions from an open pit mine into an underground operation, the ore mix will change from time to time.
Koala Underground project at Ekati saw the first kimberlite production blast this month. Work on this project is reportedly ahead of schedule.
BHP reported that it continues to explore diamond targets in