BBC: Miba Production Fell 80% in Past Year

A report on BBC News claims that production at Congo’s leading diamond mine, Miba, fell 80 percent in the past year. Production dropped from 2.5 million carats in June to December 2005 to 545,000 carats in June to December 2006. The report was quoting official figures.

According to the report, one reason for the drop in production is the recent presidential elections. “It was electoral period from June. Since Kasaai is an opposition stronghold, it was not easy for us," BBC quoted Miba head, Gustave Luabeya.

Illegal miners that reportedly enter the mine are also harming production figures.

In addition, the operator of a $10 million dragline was recently murdered. The equipment was expected to double the mine’s production. Because of the security problems, Luabeya says that a new operator has not been found.