The Western Australian Government has reportedly sought expressions of interest (EOIs) to reopen and operate the Ellendale diamond mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
EOIs from participating companies will be evaluated by a panel from the Department, prior to an official decision by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston. The winning company will be invited to apply for a new mining lease. Last date for the submission is 30th November; the official decision will be announced in early 2019.
Ellendale was mined by Kimberley Diamond Company (KDC) between 2002 and 2015, but its mining activities were ceased in July 2015 when KDC entered into administration. KDC went into liquidation the following month. Since then the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has been managing the site through the abandoned mines program. The Department ensured that the mine remained a viable option for future development.
Ellendale has produced gem and industrial-quality diamonds. It previously provided about half of the world’s highly-valued fancy yellow diamonds. Ellendale diamond mine is 120km east of Derby in the West Kimberley region.