Gahcho Kué mine has recovered a 67.87 ct gem quality octahedron diamond during production ramp-up. This is the largest gem quality diamond recovered to date at Gahcho Kué.

“The presence of large gem quality diamonds at Gahcho Kué was established during the bulk sampling when a 25.13 ct octahedron was recovered”, noted Patrick Evans, Mountain Province President and CEO. “The recovery of a 67.87 ct gem quality diamond during production ramp-up is very encouraging.”

He added: “Following some disruptions due to conveyor systems winterization issues, the production ramp-up at Gahcho Kué is once again progressing well and the mine is on track to achieve commercial production on schedule during the current quarter.”

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the mine located in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Gahcho Kué consists of a cluster of four diamondiferous kimberlites, three of which have a probable mineral reserve of 34.88 Mt grading 1.57 ct/t for total diamond content of 54.64 Mct.

Gahcho Kué is the world’s largest and highest grade new diamond mine. A 2014 NI 43-101 feasibility studyfiled by Mountain Province (available on SEDAR) indicates that the Gahcho Kué project has an IRR of 32.6%.