BlueRock Restarts South African Mine

RAPAPORT... BlueRock Diamonds has resumed operations at its Kareevlei deposit in South Africa after the government allowed the mining sector to reopen.The company expects to reach full capacity by the end of the month, it said Monday. However, the miner has suspended expansion plans for Kareevlei for the moment. "Management and the board have put a lot of effort and thought into the start-up of our Kareevlei operation and, in particular, the safety of our employees and the risks associated with production and the market in what is a challenging and developing situation," said BlueRock executive chairman Mike Houston. BlueRock closed the site on March 26 after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a 21-day lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19.That measure was extended on April 9, forcing the company to put the mine on temporary care and maintenance. In the first quarter, BlueRock produced 2,503 carats, a 76% increase over the previous year. It has suspended its full-year production guidance until it can assess the impact of the pandemic on its operations, it added.Image: A rough diamond, loupe and tweezers. (BlueRock Diamonds)