Debswana Production Down 6% In Q3 2018

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Anglo America says its rough diamond production decreased by 5% to 8.7 million carats due to planned volume reductions in Botswana and South Africa (DBCM). The parent company to De Beers noted that Botswana (Debswana) production decreased by 6% to 5.7 million carats due to the planned processing of lower grade material at Jwaneng. Production at Orapa(2) remained in line with Q3 2017 at 2.6 million carats. 

According to Anglo’s Production Report for the third quarter ended 30 September 2018, Namibia (Namdeb Holdings) production was flat at 0.5 million carats. South Africa (DBCM) production decreased by 14% to 1.3 million carats due to a planned shut down at Venetia to upgrade the processing plant ahead of the transition from open cut to underground operations. 

Mr Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American

On the other hand, Canada production increased by 5% to 1.2 million carats, driven by higher grades at Victor, which is approaching the end of its life. Gahcho Kué production was in line with Q3 2017. 

Rough sales volumes amounted to 5.0 million carats (4.6 million carats on a consolidated basis(3)) from two sales cycles in Q3 2018, compared with 6.9 million carats (6.5 million carats on a consolidated basis(3)) from two sales cycles in Q3 2017.

“Rough sales volumes were down as a result of Sightholders being given the opportunity during the seventh Sight of 2018 to re-phase the allocation of some smaller, lower value rough diamonds. Rough sales revenues were broadly in line with Q3 2017.”

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said their  focus on driving efficiency and productivity across the business resulted in another strong quarter, with volumes 1% higher than the solid operational performance seen in Q3 2017.

“Production per employee has increased by 5% in 2018, compared to 2017, as we maintain relentless discipline on controllable costs. Strong operational performance at our Copper assets delivered a 17% increase in production, more than offsetting planned lower volumes at De Beers and the impact of rail infrastructure constraints at Kumba in the first half of the year,” Cutifani said.

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