De Beers diamond production fell to 27.9 million carats in 2012. This is an 11 percent drop over fiscal 2011 production of 31.3 million carats.

Anglo American, which owns an 85 percent stake in De Beers, reported fourth quarter diamond production of 8.1 million carats, a 24 percent increase year-on-year. The result also represents a 26 percent increase over the current year third quarter output of 6.4 million carats.

A slope collapse in June at Jwaneng mine in Botswana had seriously affected output. Anglo says the improved fourth quarter showing is due to the Jwaneng mine is fully operational now.

De Beers’ operations continued to focus on waste stripping and maintenance activities initiated in Q4 2011, in response to softer demand.



The company said production by De Beers Consolidated Mines in South Africa increased by 69 percent year-over-year and 24 percent versus Q3 2012, helping to address shortfalls following the Jwaneng slope failure.