Debswana anchors De Beers' output jump

According to an Anglo American fourth quarter production report, a recovery at Jwaneng mine coupled with better grades recovered at Orapa mine drove Debswana’s carat output 17% up in the period. De Beers is 85% owned by Anglo American. In 2013, its production rose 12% to 31.2 million carats with 70% of its output coming from Botswana. South Africa, Namibia and Canada contributed the rest. “In the fourth quarter, production increased by 13% to 9.1 million carats, mainly attributable to the Debswana operations, with Jwaneng increasing production following the slope failure in 2012, and higher grades at Orapa. Production also increased in South Africa and Canada, on account of improved grades at Venetia and Snap Lake.

In the fourth quarter, production at Debswana increased by 17% compared to third quarter 2013 with the return to operation of the Orapa One plant following unplanned maintenance in third quarter.