DIAMONDS: Gahcho Kue ramp up begins with 24- and 12-ct stones

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – Toronto-based Mountain Province Diamonds says production is ramping up at the new Gahcho Kue diamond mine 280 km northeast of Yellowknife, with the added bonus that two gem quality stones weighing 24.65 and 12.10 carats have been recovered during commissioning. De Beers Canada is the operator and 51% owner of the mine. The smaller diamond was recovered on July 29 and the larger one on Aug. 1. Photographs of the diamonds will be posted at www.MountainProvince.com. The Gahcho Kue project consists of a cluster of four diamondiferous kimberlites, three of which have a probable mineral reserve of 35.4 million tonnes grading 1.57 carats per tonne for total diamond content of 55.5 million carats.