
Johannesburg‚ Jan 2 (I-Net Bridge) - Canadian miner Rockwell Diamonds (RDI) which has interests in South Africa‚ on Wednesday announced a 23% improved revenue from diamond sales‚ before any sales from beneficiation‚ for the third quarter fiscal 2013 compared to the same period last year.
Total proceeds of US$7.4 million were generated compared to US$6.0 million for the same period a year ago and US$ 6.8 million for the second quarter.
A total of 4‚043 carats were sold at average price of US$1‚821 per carat; and although the number of carats sold was 25% lower‚ the sale of several high quality stones underpinned the 64% increase in the average price per carat over a year ago.
Carats sold from the Saxendrift Complex‚ comprising the Saxendrift Mine‚ the Saxendrift Extension and the Bulk X-ray plant increased by 10% to 1‚931 carats at an average price of US$3‚082 per carat. The average carat value of US$1‚768 for Saxendrift was down 7% on the same period last year‚ largely‚ because of the third quarter product mix. This price drop compared well to the 15% decline in the global market price for rough diamond prices in the +2 carat category that comprises most of the mine's production.
Sales of diamonds recovered from the Bulk X-ray plant‚ also at Saxendrift‚ generated total proceeds of $3.0 million from the sale of 284 carats‚ including a 145-carat rough diamond whose sale increased the average price per carat from the plant to US$10‚704.