London, June 29, 2007 (ABN Newswire) - Petra Diamonds Limited (ASX: PDL) announces an update with regards to the Koffiefontein mine and associated assets ('Koffiefontein').
The acquisition of Koffiefontein from De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited ('De Beers') is expected to be completed shortly. As previously announced, Petra has already been granted a mining licence in respect of the mine and the acquisition from De Beers has received approval from the South African Competition Commission.
Petra has, with permission from the South African Department of Minerals and Energy ('DME'), been maintaining the cave and drawing the corresponding ore at Koffiefontein since July 2006. The preparatory work that Petra has been able to undertake at Koffiefontein over recent months, together with the drawing of ore as part of the care and maintenance process, means that the mine will, when the acquisition completes, be able to immediately commence full production and the stockpiled ore processed through the plant.
Over recent weeks, some of this stockpiled ore has been processed through the plant to test changes made to the plant by Petra. Although these test results are relatively early stage and no sales of diamonds have been made by Petra (as are not allowed until the acquisition from De Beers is complete), initial indications are that assumptions applied by Petra in its modeling in respect of both grade and value per carat at Koffiefontein will be comfortably met, and perhaps even exceeded.
Adonis Pouroulis, Chairman of Petra, commented 'The addition of the Koffiefontein mine to Petra's South African portfolio, with anticipated production of around 100,000 carats a year, will significantly increase Group production, as well as increase the average price per carat received across the Group and significantly enhance Group revenues.''On behalf of Petra, I would again like to thank both the DME and De Beers for their efforts and support in completing the acquisition of Koffiefontein by Petra and we look forward to returning the mine to production, an important development for the local Koffiefontein community and all other related parties. '
Notes
1. The information in this update that relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Jim Davidson, Pr. Sci Nat (reg No 400031/06), who is a Member of the Geological Society of South Africa, a 'Recognised Overseas Professional Organisation' ('ROPO'). Jim Davidson is the Qualified Person for the purposes of the AIM Guidance Note on Mining, Oil and Gas Companies dated March 2006. Jim Davidson is a full-time employee of the Company and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify. Jim Davidson has given his written consent to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
About Petra Diamonds Limited
Petra is a diamond mining group focused on the exploration and mining of diamonds in Africa. Petra's strategy is to build a portfolio of revenue producing and exploration assets, achieving the objective of becoming a successful mid-tier diamond producer and explorer. Petra has operations in Angola, South Africa and Sierra Leone. Quoted on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM), Petra is well placed to achieve spectacular results from the increasingly robust market for diamonds. The recent merger with ASX-listed Crown Diamonds creates a new force in the diamond industry, building shareholder value through exploration and production expertise.