AK6 recovers higher value diamonds

A statement released by Lucara this week says that a valuation of 1,760 carat diamonds from AK6 was undertaken in Geneva by Shlomo Tidhar of Mercury Diamonds. Lucara and its joint venture partner, African Diamonds Limited, are in the process of upgrading a conceptual mine plan to feasibility level for the Boteti project and this work is expected to be completed by May 2010, with the aim to commence commercial production in late 2011.

"Overall, the diamonds from AK6 are deemed to be of very good quality and very attractive to diamond buyers," Tidhar said. "Colours are generally very white and the samples showed numerous examples of 'blocky' makeable and strong crystal forms that tend to lead to strong polished yields and demand a premium.