De Beers Production for Q1 on Target, Despite Coronavirus

(IDEX Online) - De Beers says its total production of rough diamonds across its mines in Botswana, Canada, South Africa and Namibia in the first quarter of this year was in line with expectations.

The impact of coronavirus was negligible, as lockdowns only came into effect at the end of March, during the final days of Q1.

An on-target total of 7.75 million carats were recovered, according the miner's latest production report, although it is forecasting a 20 per cent drop for 2020, because of the Indian lockdown, mine closures in South Africa and US slump in demand.

De Beers reported that production in Botswana, which accounts for almost three quarters of all De Beers diamonds, dropped five per cent to 5.6 million carats. 

The company blamed a seven per cent decrease at its Orapa mine, due to challenges related to commissioning of new plant infrastructure and maintenance. Production at Jwaneng fell four per cent fue to planned lower grade.

In Namibia it increased six per cent to 0.5 million carats, due to planned higher grade at the marine operations.

In South Africa, production almost doubled - up 97 per cent to 0.8 million carats -  as the final ore from the open pit is mined prior to transition to underground.

Production in Canada decreased by 19 per cent to 0.8 million carats, primarily due to the planned closure of Victor.