ACCORDING to reports South Africa will require new discoveries to replace some of the major diamond mines which have diminishing resources. The opinion was shared at the Geological Society of South Africa�s recent diamond symposium, in Johannesburg.

Bartlett, independent consultant opined that South Africa may never reach its peak diamond output of 15 million carats recovered last year. The growing costs and risks, plus the political uncertainties surrounding proposed mining laws for investors� reluctance, and geotechnical risks assiociated with mining at depths in excess of 700 m.

The delays in taking an open-pit mine underground, and the effect that could have on losses in production and on revenues. Bartlett predicted a diminished role for the South African diamond major De Beers, as smaller players begin to operate with lower overheads.