Lucapa output rises on Mothae start

By Esmarie Iannucci      / January 16, 2019 / www.miningweekly.com / Article Link

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Diamond miner Lucapa Diamond Company produced 3 089 ct of diamonds from its Mothae operation, in Lesotho, during the December quarter.

The 1.1-million-tonne treatment plant was commissioned during the December quarter, delivering Lucapa its second operational mine.

Advertisement

Lucapa said on Wednesday that the ramp-up at Mothae continued to progress well, with the plant on target to reach its nameplate capacity of 90 000 t/m by the first quarter of 2019. The targeted treatment rate of 150 t/h has been achieved for extended periods, and was surpassed in December.

At its Lulo operation, in Angola, Lucapa produced 5 070 ct during the December quarter, down 1% on the previous corresponding period due to the processing of gravels from lower-grade areas.

Advertisement

Annual production for the full 2018 was up 3% on 2017, however, to 19 196 ct.

During the quarter under review, the Lulo operation produced 50 special diamonds, bringing the full-year total to 214. The specials recovered during the quarter included three diamonds larger than 50 ct each, with the largest being 75 ct.

Recent News

Gold stocks rocket to new highs, valuations no longer inexpensive

August 11, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Tariff issue caused by potential definition change of traded gold bars

August 11, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

US BLS head removed after revisions to employment data

August 04, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks down even as metal price rises

August 04, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Copper market distortions driven by new US tariff policies

July 28, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com
See all >
Share to Youtube Share to Facebook Facebook Share to Linkedin Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Tiktok