10% Drop in BHP Billiton’s Diamond Production

 

(IDEX Online News) - BHP Billiton’s diamond production decreased 10 percent to 703,000 carats in the quarter ending September 30, the miner reported today (Wednesday). Diamond production was lower primarily due to lower ore processed and lower average grade.

During the quarter, a higher proportion of ore was sourced from the Fox pit at the Ekati diamond mine in Canada as mining of the higher grade Panda underground ceased in the June 2010 quarter, the company reported.

Compared to the June ending quarter, production declined 5 percent.

The 703,000 carats production the company reported represents its 80 percent share of the Ekati mine. The mine therefore produced some 878,750 carats.

Diamonds are low on the company’s exploration priorities. In an exploration update released earlier today, BHP Billiton revealed that it is focusing on energy resources- gas, oil, coal and petroleum. Regarding diamonds, the company said it has grassroots exploration targets in Canada.