BlueRock Diamonds works through 'frustrating' delay

BlueRock Diamonds updated the market on operations at Kareevlei, its licence area in the Northern Cape of South Africa containing five known kimberlite pipes, on Monday.

The AIM-traded firm said significant recent rainfall caused some delays to the recommencement of operations, but confirmed drilling had now started in the pit in preparation for blasting soon after, following which it expects to have a continuous supply of run-of-mine material for processing.

It said the continued rainfall significantly improved the water reserves, which was welcome for the short and medium term requirements for the plant.

In advance of the blast, BlueRock said it will continue to test the plant by processing stockpiled kimberlite which - although limited in quantity and not necessarily a good indication of future grades - will enable it to make final adjustments to the setup of the plant and new crushing circuit prior to starting operations.

“Whilst this minor delay is frustrating, it remains a minor delay and we are using the time to fine tune our new configuration,” said CEO Adam Waugh.

“I look forward to updating the market on our progress in the near future.”