Ekati diamond mine has two active operations that contributed to the results in the December quarter, an open pit operation at Sable and an underground operation at Misery with approximately 75% of the total ore mined generated from Sable during the period. Total tonnes mined in the December quarter was lower than the prior corresponding period in 2022 due to the lower waste strip requirement in the Sable pit.
Ore processed in the December quarter was 6% higher than the prior corresponding and carats recovered were also higher than the prior corresponding period in 2022 primarily due to an improved feed mix to the process plant. Process plant throughput for the year ended December 2023 was the highest achieved during a 12-month period since 2013.
Carats recovered of 1.2 million carats for the December quarter, were up 19% as compared to the same period in 2022, in line with the Re-compliance Prospectus released in June 2023.
Further positive news with the dewatering and final mining permits received for the Point Lake project during the December quarter. Point Lake is now ready for the next phase of development which is expected to start in late Q1 CY2024 with full production expected to commence in Q4 CY2024.
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