Dominion Diamond Corporation announced the production results at its Diavik Diamond mine for the third calendar quarter of 2016. The company noted that processing volumes in the said period were 22 percent higher than in the same quarter of the prior year primarily due to higher ore availability.

Diamonds recovered were also 22 percent higher on y-o-y basis, reflecting higher processing volumes.

Diamonds recovered in the third quarter of calendar 2015 included approximately 40,000 carats recovered from Coarse Ore Rejects. Recovered grades were also higher than the same quarter of the prior year, but below plan in the quarter as a result of increased underground dilution as a result of granite sloughing from the walls of the open pit. The Diavik Diamond Mine team is in the process of assessing this dilution increase and the possible impact on the remaining calendar year production.

The development of the A-21 pipe continues to progress according to plan. During the quarter, the closure of the dike was completed before the end of the open water season.