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, the
owner, Lucapa Diamond Company, said last week.
Lucapa commenced the commissioning phase during the fourth
quarter ending December 31, and recovered 3,089 carats of rough from the southeast
portion of the mine during the period. Six special-size stones — weighing
over 10.8 carats — were unearthed, including two D-color
white diamonds weighing 78 and 38 carats.
Initial sales of output from Mothae’s bulk-sampling phase
yielded 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)
Lucapa’s Mothae Mine Exceeds Expectations
The Bottom Line
- Mothae mine produces 3.94 carats per 100 tonnes, doubling the initial resource guidance of 1.92 carats per 100 tonnes.
- During Q4 commissioning, Lucapa recovered 3,089 carats, including six special stones over 10.8 carats, featuring two D-color white diamonds weighing 78 and 38 carats.
- Initial bulk-sampling sales achieved prices up to $15,000 per carat, with Q4 production scheduled for sale at Antwerp tender early this year.
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