South African mines drag down De Beers’ first-quarter output

Diamond miner De Beers’ rough diamond production for the quarter ended March 31 decreased by 8% year-on-year to 7.9-million carats, driven by lower output at its South African operations.

De Beers Consolidated Mines, in South Africa, attributed its 65% year-on-year decrease in output to 400 000 ct to lower mined volumes at the Venetia mine, as it approached a transition from openpit to underground operations.