the transition to underground mining methods would be made. Taking into account the additional production that could be derived by mining the kimberlite dykes and blows from underground, an optimal plant size of 180 tph has been selected, mining at a rate of 100,000 tonnes of ore per month and 1.4 million tonnes of waste per month. The mine will continue producing with the existing 50 tonne per hour plant until the new plant is erected, commissioned and has ramped up to full production (by the end of June 2012). The five-year open pit mining phase of the operation (to the end of 2015) will be followed by underground mining of both kimberlite pipes, as well as the dyke zones and blows, for the remainder of the life of the mine. Construction of the underground access will begin early in 2012 with first ore being extracted from underground in 2016. The project is expected to increase production from the two open pits from about 10,000 carats per month currently to an average of 45,000 carats per month from 2012 to 2015, tapering off as production from underground comes on line and the operation is maintained at 100,000 tonnes processed per month. References Diamond mining companies