Production delivered a strong increase of 21% to 39 300 carats (32 400 carats) mainly as initiatives to lessen production interruptions during the rainy season were successful and improvements in operational efficiencies continued.
March 31, 2007
The average grade realised declined to 1,95 carats/100 m3 (2006: 2,37 carats/100 m3). Despite the loss of production due to rain in the first half, ongoing operational improvements resulted in a 7% increase in total volumes moved, with a similar reduction in unit costs. The Surpac model for the Baken orebody was updated with new drill and bulk sample information, and Whittle mine optimisation software was run on the new model, which has confirmed that the current reserve estimate and mine plan for Baken is optimal and sustainable for the remainder of the currently estimated eight-year life of mine.
March 31, 2006
Increased in carat production was due to increased in volume treated at the Baken central plant. Alternatative overburden removal was also investigated to reduce equipment costs.
In the 6-month period ended Sep30/05, the average grade at Baken was lower than the prior period at 2,39 carats/100 m3 (2,50 carats/100 m3). The PK plant is in an advanced upgrade phase. Once completed it is anticipated that similar treatment efficiency and reliability to the Baken Central Plant will be achieved.
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