Canada’s first overseas diamond producer, Redaurum (TSE), plans to increase annual production at its 50%-owned River Ranch mine in Zimbabwe to more than 400,000 carats.
Earlier this year, the company indicated it would increase production to 300,000 carats per year. However, an engineering study was carried out which pointed to the feasibility of extending the open-pit operation to a depth of 200 metres from the planned depth of 150 metres.
Upgrading of the processing plant is under way and the additional facilities are expected to be commissioned in the second half of 1995.
In the first two years of operation, the expanded plant is expected to reach a yearly peak recovery rate of 500,000 carats. The higher rate is due to the weathered nature of the near-surface kimberlite ore. Thereafter, as the kimberlite hardens at depth, annual recoveries are expected to stabilize at 400,000 carats.
In August, the mine produced 14,292 carats and Redaurum believes output for the entire year may reach 150,000 carats.
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