DIAMONDS: Gahcho Kue mine offers up 67+ct gem quality octahedron

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES – Miners at the new Gahcho Kue diamond mine near Lac de Gras have recovered the largest gem quality stone – a 67.87-carat octahedron – ever found there. The announcement was made by Mountain Province Diamonds, owner of 49% of the project. The operator and 51% owner is De Beers Canada. [caption id="attachment_1003717070" align="alignleft" width="248"] The 67.87-carat, gem quality octahedron recovered during ramp-up of the Gahcho Kue project.[/caption] "The presence of large gem quality diamonds at Gahcho Kue was established during the bulk sampling when a 25.13-carat octahedron was recovered", noted Patrick Evans, Mountain Province president and CEO. "The recovery of a 67.87-carat, gem quality diamond during production ramp-up is very encouraging. There were some ramp-up disruptions due to issues with winterizing the conveyor systems, but work is back on track and Evans says commercial production will be reached during the current quarter. Complete details about the Gahcho Kue project are available at www.MountainProvince.com.