Mountain Province Diamonds says development of the Gahcho Kué diamond mine in Canada’s north is more than 87 per cent complete and on track for first production during the second half of 2016.
“We continue to make excellent progress at Gahcho Kué,” said Mountain Province president and CEO, Patrick Evans. “Key areas of focus are remaining earthworks, commissioning of the primary crusher and diamond plant, pre-stripping, and stockpiling of kimberlite, as well as preparations for operational readiness.”
Mountain Province says the Gahcho Kue joint venture has appointed Allan Rodel as the mine general manager. Rodel joined De Beers Group in 1997 and has held several senior management positions, including that of Gahcho Kue project manager since 2013.
In addition, the company has appointed nine senior operational personnel, including mining manager, engineering and maintenance manager, ore processing manager, and technical services manager.
“We are also pleased to report the ice road deliveries to Gahcho Kue are proceeding to plan,” Evans added. “Importantly, delivery of critical large mining equipment to site was completed last week with the bulk of the remaining deliveries being diesel fuel. The project also continues to meet our lending group’s tests-to-completion with $73 million U.S. advanced to fund cash calls during Q1 2016. A total of $231 million U.S. has been drawn against the $370-million U.S. facility. An update on performance against budget will be provided with the year-end results at the end of March.”
