Rio Tinto has updated the mineral resources available at its 100%-owned Argyle Diamond mine in the East Kimberley, Western Australia.
During 2016, estimated mineral resources fell 66% – from 44 million tonnes to 15 million tonnes, compared to the previous year. According to the company, “previously reported Mineral Resources included mineralisation that could support a potential extension of the currently planned mine life”.
Rio Tinto added that: “As mine life extension options are under ongoing review, the reported Mineral Resources have now been restricted to those parts of the mineralisation which can be potentially developed, mined and processed during the existing mine-life defined by the current underground operation. It is for this reason that there has been a material reduction in reported Mineral Resources in 2016”.
Rio Tinto has not changed its estimate of the mine’s life-span, “which sees production continuing until 2021”.
