DFI Resumes Namibia Marine Diamond Mining
June 23, 05
Diamond Fields International says its mv DF Discoverer has resumed mining operations and is recovering diamonds on the firm's marine diamond Mining License 111 near Luderitz, Namibia following a refit.
DFI reported last month that it had not mined or sold any diamonds during its previous quarter, resulting in a quarterly net loss of $1.4 million. The company suspended production at its Namibian marine diamond concessions last October.
The commissioning period, which began after the vessel's departure from Luderitz on May 31, consisted of equipment and system tests and procedural training with the mining team.
Gregg J. Sedun, President and CEO of Diamond Fields stated: "The resumption of mining with the mv DF Discoverer is a historic moment for the Company as, for the first time, we are producing diamonds with our own vessel and retaining 100 percent of diamonds mined. The extensive refit program on the DF Discoverer over the last several months was intended to increase the ship's reliability and process efficiency. We look forward to demonstrating a successful operation."