Rockwell Finds Four Diamonds of More Than 100 carats

Rockwell Diamonds has discovered four diamonds each weighing more than 100 carats at its Middle Orange River region plant in South Africa.

Rockwell also said it has found a higher than average number of diamonds weighing less than 100 carats. “This reinforces management's decision to focus operations in this region and embrace new processing technology,” the firm said in a statement.

A diamond weighing 116 carats and another with a weight of 138 carats were recovered at the Saxendrift processing plant from gravels originating from the Saxendrift Extension pit.

Additionally, a 126-carat stone and a 169-carat diamond were recovered from a mining area that has recently been opened up at the Saxendrift Hill Complex (SHC).

All of the diamonds are to be sold into the miner's beneficiation joint venture with Steinmetz Diamonds at market value. Rockwell will also participate equally in the value uplift once these stones have been polished and sold.

CEO and President, James Campbell, said: "Recovery of four rough diamonds exceeding 100 carats within a three week period is a milestone in our objective to grow production in the Middle Orange River region where we have a significant inventory of high value in situ diamonds. It also attests to the quality of our recovery processes where the implementation of fit-for-purpose technology has improved our ability to recover large stones. This includes the Bulk X-ray technology which we pioneered in the full production environment at SHC as well as our strong skills at Saxendrift where efficiency initiatives in the pan plant are paying off."