Mining giant De Beers Group reported higher rough diamond production in the first quarter of 2022 from the same period last year due to improved business and mining operations.

Rough output rose 25 per cent to 8.93 million carats in Q1 ending March 31, 2022, reflecting a strong operational performance, higher planned levels of production to meet steady market demand as well as lower rainfall impact particularly in Botswana, the group revealed.

“Robust demand for rough diamonds continued into the first quarter following strong growth in consumer demand over the holiday season,” noted De Beers. Company data showed rough diamond sales reached 7.9 million carats from two Sights compared with 13.5 million carats from three Sights in Q1 2021 and 7.7 million carats from three Sights in Q4 2021. 

“As we head into the seasonally slower second quarter of the year, diamond businesses are adopting a more cautious and watchful approach in light of the war in Ukraine and associated sanctions, as well as the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns in China,” continued the company.

Production at Jwaneng and Orapa mines in Botswana was up 25 per cent to 6.2 million carats while at the Gahcho Kué in South Africa, output reached 1.7 million carats, up 46 per cent year on year.

De Beers’ mother company, Anglo American plc, said the Benguela Gem diamond recovery vessel, which was commissioned ahead of schedule and on budget, is expected to add an additional 500,000 carats per year of high value diamonds to the miner’s production.

Production guidance for 2022 remains unchanged at 30 million carats to 33 million carats.