Kimberley Diamonds Ltd (KDL) announced yesterday that open pit mining operations have commenced at its Lerala Diamond Mine in Botswana.

Once of the process plant is recommissioned as per plan in April 2016, the Company expects first production and recovery also in April 2016. The first diamond sales are expected in June 2016.

On 11 February 2016, KDL had announced that the mining contract for the Lerala Diamond Mine was awarded to Basil Read Mining Botswana (Pty). Following this, Basil Read mobilised staff and equipment to the Lerala Diamond Mine during the months of February and March. “Mining then commenced early in April from the K3 kimberlite pipe and operations will continue to develop a buffer stockpile of fresh kimberlite ore,” KDL stated. “Mining will then ramp up in line with the current production schedule to provide a consistent feed to the processing plant once processing commences.”

Currently plant construction activities are underway and the Company says “they continue to progress well”; this, despite the heavier than usual rainfall at the site which has recently caused some delays.  “It is expected that plant construction will be completed by mid-April, with re-commissioning then expected to commence later in April,” KDL said.

Other facilities are also being readied for the mine operation: construction of the tailings dam extension commenced in March 2016; and construction of the new dry tailings conveyor system has also commenced around the same time.

“The progress at the Lerala Diamond Mine to date has been consistent with our forecasted schedules and remains in line with expected budgets,” KDL announced. 

Pic Cap: Basil Read Mining equipment in operation in the K3 starter pit