Namibian Minerals Corporation has generated a new daily production record. The mining vessel, MV Ya Toivo, which is equipped with the second-generation Nam 2 seabed crawler, produced 16,417.55 carats on Tuesday, July 23, while mining in Namco’s Hottentot bay grant (HBG) feature 22. The day’s production comprises 54,240 diamonds, at an average size of 0.30 carat. This was recovered from an area of 1,870 square metres, at an average grade of 8.78 carats per square metre.
The new production result eclipses the former single vessel one-day record of 16,271 carats, which was set by the production vessel, MV Kovambo, equipped with the first generation NamSSol 1 tractor crawler, while mining in the Luderitz bay grant feature 19 (Marshall Fork) on Jan. 27, 1999.
Namco’s chief executive officer, Greg Walker, said: “This result is extremely pleasing, and demonstrates the effectiveness and capability of Namco’s prospecting and production systems.
“Our priority is to significantly expand exploration activity and this result shows why. Less than 1 per cent of Namco’s total lease area of 20,800 square kilometres has been explored. We are working to establish the reserve potential of our mining and exploration leases.
“The company has increased its mining capability with the reintroduction of the MV Kovambo to production operations in June, and we now have the benefit of both the NamSSol I and the Nam 2 seabed crawlers in operation.”
WARNING: The company relies upon litigation protection for “forward-looking” statements.
