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- In 2007, the total carats mined in Canada were 17 million carats, up 28% from 2006, with a total value of $1.44 billion. [Rapaport News, 09/09/08]
- Canada was the third largest producer of rough diamonds when measured by value in 2007, behind Botswana and the Russian Federation -- according to the Kimberley Process figures [Rapaport News, 09/09/08]
- Canada has two operating diamond mines: Ekati Diamond Mine and Diavik Diamond Mine. Over the next ten years, several new mines will come on-stream in Canada including: Snap Lake in the Northwest Territories and Victor in Ontario.
Ekati Diamond Mine
- Production began in October 1998 with an expected mine life of 20 years.
- It was initially determined that the 8 economic kimberlites in the mine plan contained 65.9 million carats at an average grade of 1.09 carats per tonne. [Feasibility Study -- March 1997]
- Rough diamonds recovered from the Ekati diamond mine on average were valued at $125/carat prior to 1998. Recently, it has been reported that those same diamonds are now valued at $270/carat, more than a 100% increase in less than 10 years. [BHP Billiton, 02/07]
- In 2007, production was approximately 5.1 million carats. As of June 2007, Ekati had recovered approximately 35 million carats. [AWDC, 05/02/08]
- Owned 80% by BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc.
Diavik Diamond Mine
- Construction was completed in early 2003, and the planned mine life is 16 -- 22 years.
- Total resource and grade was determined to be 138 million carats with an average grade of 3.7 carats per tonne.
[Feasibility Study -- April 2000]
- Rough diamonds mined have sold at an average of $96 to $228 per carat. [Feasibility Study -- April 2000]
- Production in 2007 was a record 11.9 million carats. By June 2007, total diamond production had reached approximately 35.9 million carats. [AWDC, 05/02/08]
- Owned by Rio Tinto Ltd. 60% & Harry Winston Diamond Corp. (40%)
References:
Antwerp Facets News Service; Antwerp World Diamond Centre;
Bloomberg News; BMO Capital Markets; diamondfacts.org; Government of Northwest Territories; Gulf News; Isreali Diamond Company; Miningmx.com; National Post; Natural Resources Canada; News Room; Rapaport News |
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