Lucapa Diamond Company (ASX:LOM) has achieved a record monthly treatment rate of 29,657 cubic metres for October 2017 at its 40% owned and operated Lulo Diamond Project in Angola.
The strong October means Lulo remains on target to exceed the record calendar 2017 annual production target of 240,000 cubic metres.
Lucapa has treated 217,999 cubic metres in the first 10 months of 2017, recovered 16,484 carats comprised of 11,795 stones, 212 of which were special diamonds.
Lulo’s ability to regularly produce large diamonds was again underlined in October, with a total of 49 special diamonds recovered from Mining Blocks 8 and 6.
Special diamonds refer to diamonds weighing more than 10.8 carats.
This represents the second highest number of specials ever produced in a month at Lulo.
These specials contributed to a 22.3% increase in diamond production for the month of October to 2,905 carats.
Special diamond recoveries have continued into November, including the recent 129.5 carat and 78.6 carat Type IIa D-colour gem recoveries.
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Lucapa is a growing diamond company with a portfolio of high-quality production, development and exploration assets in Angola, Lesotho, Botswana and Australia
Its flagship asset is the Lulo Diamond Project, which is a partnership over a 3,000 square kilometre concession.
It is a joint venture between Lucapa, who holds a 40% operating interest, Endiama (Angolan government) and Rosas & Petalas – a private partner.
Lucapa has also secured a 70% stake in the Mothae kimberlite diamond project in Lesotho which it is targeting to bring into production during 2018.