BHP Billiton's diamond production in the fourth quarter was reportedly up by 5%, reaching 903 thousand carats. The company owns 80% of the Ekati diamond mine, where production fluctuates according to variability of ore resources in mines and open pits. On the whole, diamond production for the full fiscal year declined by 4%, with a little over 3 million carats produced.



On the Australian diamond front, Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton's Leighton Holdings show gains, reaching the highest closing levels this year on its shares, reports Australian Business.