Lucapa's New Mine Exceeds Expectations

RAPAPORT... The Mothae mine in Lesotho is performing better than expected since reaching commercial production in the fourth quarter. The asset is producing 3.94 carats per 100 tonnes,compared to the initial resource guidance of 1.92 carats per 100 tonnes, theowner, Lucapa Diamond Company, said last week. Lucapa commenced the commissioning phase during the fourthquarter ending December 31, and recovered 3,089 carats of rough from the southeastportion of the mine during the period. Six special-size stones - weighingover 10.8 carats - were unearthed, including two D-colorwhite diamonds weighing 78 and 38 carats. Initial sales of output from Mothae's bulk-sampling phaseyielded individual sale prices of up to $15,000 per carat. Lucapa will sell fourth-quarter production at tender in Antwerp early this year. Image: The 38-carat special recovered at Mothae. (Lucapa)