BlueRock Diamonds sell 12.2 carat diamond for $105,000

AIM-listed diamond mining company BlueRock Diamonds said on Friday that it has sold a 12.2 carat diamond for $105,000 - $8,584 per carat - in the July tender.

BlueRock, which owns and operates the Kareevlei diamond mine in the Kimberley region of South Africa, said this is the second most valuable diamond it has recovered to date, following the sale of a 24.98 carat diamond in the June tender for $196,000.

Executive chairman Mike Houston said: "We are delighted to have received in excess of $100,000 for this diamond and continue to be encouraged by the ongoing recovery of high quality stones.

"We have made excellent progress in improving our operational practises at Kareevlei which has resulted in increased volumes and the more regular recovery of higher value stones."

At 1145 BST, the shares were up 10.5% at 0.12p.