In its update on the Gahcho Kué Project, Mountain Province Diamonds Inc said the  diamond mine is  “progressing according to plan with the overall project more than 87 per cent complete and on track for first production during H2 2016”.

Patrick Evans, Mountain Province President and CEO, commented: “We continue to make excellent progress at Gahcho Kué. Key areas of focus are remaining earthworks, commissioning of the primary crusher and diamond plant, pre-stripping and stockpiling of kimberlite as well as preparations for operational readiness.”

Mountain Province also announced that the Gahcho Kue Joint Venture has appointed Allan Rodel as the mine general manager.   Rodel, who joined the De Beers Group in 1997,  has held a number of senior management positions, including that of Gahcho Kue project manager since 2013. 

Apart from this, nine senior operational appointments have also been made at Gahcho Kue, the Company said, including that of the mining manager, engineering and maintenance manager, ore processing manager and technical services manager.

“We are also pleased to report that the ice road deliveries to Gahcho Kue are proceeding to plan,” added   Evans. “Importantly, delivery of critical large mining equipment to site was completed last week with the bulk of the remaining deliveries being diesel fuel. The project also continues to meet our lending group’s tests-to-completion with US$ 73 mn advanced to fund cash calls.

During Q1 2016, a total of US$ 231 mn has been drawn against the US$ 370 mn facility. An update on performance against budget will be provided with the year-end results at the end of March.”