Australia’s diamond production dips by 34% in Q2

Rough diamond production of Australia decreased 34 percent on the year to 3.56 million carats, in the second fiscal quarter that ended December 31, 2009, reports say. Although, the 3.56 million carats production was 53 percent more than production of the previous quarter of July to September 2009, reports add.

Imports of rough diamonds in the second quarter increased 13 percent to $114 million. Exports of rough diamonds dipped 45 percent to 2.98 million carats in volume and by 53 percent in value to $89 million.

During the period from July to December, 2009, the country’s diamond production decreased 43 percent to 5.89 million carats. Its exports of rough diamonds saw a 64 percent drop to 3.65 million carats, and 59 percent in value terms to $148 million. In the six months, imports increased 4 percent to $224 million, reports say.