Mining Weekly reports that Namakwa Diamonds has acquired a private mining operation, Kasai Resource Mining (KRM), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for $5 million.



The acquisition of KRM will enable Namakwa to raise its diamond output in the DRC to over 160,000 carats in 2010.



Namakwa stated that it now possesses an increased resource base of about two-million alluvial diamond carats in the vicinity of the company’s current assets on the Kasai River, in the Tshikapa region.



Namakwa Diamonds also owns the rights to 41 alluvial and kimberlite concessions on the Mbelenge, Longatshimo and Lubembe Rivers.



Mining Weekly notes that prior to the acquisition, KRM had contracted to purchase the Gem Diamonds Longatshimo Mining Company, a deal that was slated to be closed in January of next year.