Debswana Q2 production jumps to 6.3m carats
Mbongeni Mguni | Thursday July 19, 2018 14:51
According to Anglo American’s second quarter production report released earlier today, Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa pumped out 3.2 million carats in the second quarter, while just over three million were recovered at Jwaneng over the same period. In the first quarter, Orapa and its neighbouring mines produced 2.8 million carats, while Jwaneng pumped out 2.98 million carats.
Anglo owns 85% of De Beers, which in turn holds 50% equity in Debswana. The Government of Botswana holds 15% in De Beers and 50% in Debswana.
“Jwaneng production increased by 4% due to an increase in tonnes mined and treated,” Anglo’s production report reads.
“Similarly at Orapa(2), production increased by 8% to 3.3 million carats due to the ramp up of additional processing capacity in response to stronger trading conditions
In total, De Beers’ production was three percent higher in the second quarter at nine million carats, compared to the first quarter. The diamond group sold 10 million carats in the second quarter up from 8.4 million, due to more auctions as well as “positive sentiment in the midstream following growth in consumer demand for diamond jewellery in late 2017”.
De Beers maintained its positive forecast for the rough diamond sector, a sentiment that last year saw production at Debswana hit a three year high of 22.7 million carats.
Debswana also reopened its Damtshaa Mine near Letlhakane in January, while its Letlhakane tailings plant recovered its first stones a few weeks ago.