Mining News South Africa

Successful tailings retreatment for Lace diamond mine

The Lace diamond mine is located 25km northwest of the town of Kroonstad within the Free State Province of South Africa, DiamondCorp's statement on MineWeb says. The mine operated from 1896 to 1931. Earlier in the year, a decision was taken to recommence tailings retreatment following completion of underground bulk testing activities.

Between March and May 2012 the company treated 55,391 tonnes of tailings for a recovery of 4060.97 carats - a recovered grade of 7.33 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) which included an 8.3 carat good quality white gem diamond.

Planned production rates of 36,000 tonnes per month are expected to be achieved during June. "We are pleased with the plant performance on tailings retreatment and delighted that diamond recoveries are better than expected and costs are well within budget," DiamondCorp CEO, Paul Loudon said. According to MineWeb, the Company will recommence tenders on the Lace diamonds in Johannesburg during September, and these will then be held approximately every eight weeks.

Read the full article on www.mineweb.com.

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