Trans Hex Group Limited - Deep-water Operations Pr
More than 9 600 diamonds weighing in excess of 3 100 carats have been
recovered during the earlier-than-expected startup of the Trans Hex
Group/Diamond Fields International (DFI) joint-venture off the Namibian
coast.
The move to deep-water mining using large, more stable vessels will have a
noticeable positive impact on diamond production as these ships are less
affected by inclement weather explains Andr Louw, executive director:
marine.
The commissioning phase is complete and the vessel - the mv Ivan Prinsep -
has commenced a sampling-trenching program in preparation for full-scale
mining in the highly mineralized Marshalls Fork feature off L deritz.
"We are delighted with the performance of the vessel to-date," said Louw.
"The combination of proven air-lift technology together with a well defined
ore resource has produced the results we anticipated."
The original terms of the joint-venture required the deployment of the first
mining vessel by mid November 2001. The early engagement of the mv Ivan
Prinsep was planned as an interim measure while the first of two dedicated
joint-venture vessels underwent fitment in Cape Town.
The new vessel, presently named the mv Hex Liberty, has been purchased and
is currently being converted into a fully-fledged mining vessel at a cost of
R50 million - with a large portion spent directly in the local Cape economy.
The mv Hex Liberty will also make use of tried and tested airlift technology
and will incorporate a 50 tonne per hour Dense Media Separation plant to
increase mining capacity.
"Once the new vessel is ready for deployment to the joint-venture mining
area the mv Ivan Prinsep will be re-allocated to our own concessions," said
Louw. "Trans Hex has extensive sea concessions and the availability of our
own dedicated exploration and mining vessel will allow us to develop these
promising areas."
A number of developments - including increased production from the Baken and
Hondeklip Bay mines, expanded exploration activities and a more-than-
doubling of marine production - are set to boost diamond production to more
than 200 000 carats per annum for the first time in Trans Hex's 36 year
history.
Ends.
For further information : Andre Louw
Trans Hex group
(021) 939-1105 / 082 553-1732
Issued by : Cullum Johnston
BHA Communications
Tel : (021) 683-2685 / 083 212-2455
Date : 3rd July 2001
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