(Ecofin Agency) - Lucara Diamond issued, this week, an updated resources estimate for its Karowe diamond mine in Botswana. Results revealed that the remaining indicated mineral resource at the mine’s AK06 kimberlite includes 7.9 million carats, thus 57.85 million tons at 13.7 carats per hundred tons.  Moreover, indicated resources at the South Lobe increased by 54% to 6.78 million carats, resulting from the conversion of inferred resources into indicated ones.

“This resource update supports the continued recovery of large high value diamonds from the South Lobe throughout its remaining open pit mine life and the likelihood for underground mining until at least 2036,” said CEO Eira Thomas (photo). She also indicated that works (studies included) are underway to assess the feasibility and viability of an underground mining at Karowe.

The Karowe project is set as a world's key producer of large and high value diamonds. Back in November 2015, Lucara recovered the “Lesedi La Rona” gem which is the second-largest gem ever recovered sold at $53 million in 2017.

Louis-Nino Kansoun