Mining Weekly reports that diamond producer Trans Hex’s July diamond tender sale brought in about $16.6 million through the sale of 17, 075 carats.



The average price was $973 per carat, reflecting the upward trend in rough diamond prices in recent months.



The diamond producer divulged that 86 stones in excess of ten carats were sold as well as 13 diamonds exceeding 20 carats and two diamonds exceeding 50 carats.



Trans Hex CEO Llewellyn Delport stated: "The results from our July diamond sale reaffirm the positive demand and price increase trend experienced since March 2009, which has assisted the group to further increase its cash reserves and strengthen its balance sheet."



However, Delport warned that retail diamond sales are still sluggish and noted that the group is carefully monitoring expenditure.



Trans Hex announced that it is currently involved in negotiations to convert its prospecting contract to a diamond mining contract at its Luana concession in Angola. The diamond producer submitted a feasibility study for the concession to the Angola government which was approved.



The Laurica and Fucauma diamond operations in Angola have been placed on minimal care-and-maintenance costs.