Namibia’s diamond production increased by 65% to 0.4 million carats in the third quarter (Q3) compared to 0.242 million carats produced the same period last year, latest figures from De Beers show.
This is against the group’s overall rough diamond production for the period, which increased by 28% to 9.2 million carats, reflecting planned higher production to meet stronger demand for rough diamonds.
The production figure for Namibia also increased by 18% when compared to the Q2 production figure of 0.338 million carats.
The country’s year to date production of 1.075 million carats is down 3% when compared to the same period last year.
“Namibia production increased by 65% to 0.4 million carats reflecting the suspension of the marine fleet during Q3 2020, as part of the response to lower demand at that time,” the diamond company said.
The latest production figures announcement comes as Namdeb announced this month that its board had approved a plan to extend the current life of mine (LoM) from 2022 to 2042, with 7.8 million diamond carats expected to be produced.
De Beers production in Botswana increased by 33% to 6.4 million carats primarily driven by the planned treatment of higher-grade ore at Jwaneng. The figure was partly offset by lower production at Orapa due to the planned closure of Plant 1.
The diamond producer’s South African production increased by 34% to 1.6 million carats due to planned treatment of higher-grade ore from the final cut of the Venetia opencast and an improvement in plant performance.
Production in Canada decreased by 13% to 0.8 million carats due to lower grade ore being processed.
“Demand for rough diamonds continued to be robust, with positive midstream sentiment reflecting strong demand for polished diamond jewellery, particularly in the key markets of the US and China. Rough diamond sales totalled 7.8 million carats (7 million carats on a consolidated basis) from two Sights, compared with 6.6 million carats (6.5 million carats on a consolidated basis) from three Sights in 3Q20, and 7.3 million carats (6.5 million carats on a consolidated basis) from two Sights in 2Q21,” the company said.
De Beers in Namibia has land operations through Namdeb and marine operations through Debmarine.
