Lerala Mine Operations Suspended Temporarily Due to Stockpile Build-Up
October 31, 16
(IDEX Online) – Kimberley Diamonds has announced that mining operations at the Lerala diamond mine, which are conducted by external contractor, Basil Read, have continued to date at rates exceeding the plant’s current ability to process feed, which has resulted in the development of a large ore stockpile.
As a result, shortly after the end of the period, in mid-October, Lerala asked Basil Read to temporarily suspend their pit mining operations in the K3 kimberlite pipe to allow Lerala to process and reduce these stockpiles to reasonable levels.
"Basil Read has now temporarily ceased all in-pit operations until further notice, however their operations to provide feed from fresh ore stockpiles to the ROM and into the plant, continue," Kimberley Diamonds said in a statement.
"The plant remains in production and produces diamonds every day. At this stage, Lerala expects the suspension of in-pit operations to continue for approximately 3-4 months or until stockpiles are reduced and mining is required to recommence.
"This is a cost saving measure while Lerala implements the performance improvement plan, and is not anticipated to impact on our expected production levels."