De Beers reported an 8% decrease in rough diamond production to 7.9 million carats for the first quarter of 2019 that was driven mainly by a reduction in South Africa.
In Botswana (Debswana), diamond production increased 2% to 6 million carats owing to the planned increase in Jwaneng’s production by 12% to 3.3 million carats. Production at the Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa mines decreased by 7% cumulatively, as a result of a plant shutdown in the period.
Namibia’s (Namdeb Holdings) production reduced by 9% to 0.5 million carats. This was driven by the land operation transitioning Elizabeth Bay to care and maintenance, De Beers said. Debmarine Namibia’s production was in line with the first quarter of 2018 at 0.4 million carats.
In South Africa, De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) production reduced by 65% to 0.4 million carats due to lower mined volumes at Venetia as it approaches the transition from open pit to underground. Voorspoed was placed on care and maintenance in the final quarter of 2018 in preparation for closure.
The company’s Canadian production reduced by 3% to 1 million carats due to planned lower grades at Gahcho Kué.
Rough diamond sales volumes were 7.5 million carats from two sales cycles, down 15% compared with 8.8 million carats from the same number of sales cycles in the first quarter of 2018, as overall demand for low value rough diamonds remained subdued in the quarter.
De Beers said that its full-year production guidance remains unchanged at 31-33 million carats, subject to trading conditions.