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Production Report for the Third Quarter of 2021

21 Oct 2021

De Beers(1 )(000 carats)

Q3 2021

Q3 2020

Q3 2021
vs.
Q3 2020

Q2 2021

Q3 2021
vs.
Q2 2021

YTD 2021

YTD 2020

YTD 2021
vs.
YTD 2020

Botswana

6,403

4,827

33%

5,727

12%

17,090

12,296

39%

Namibia

399

242

65%

338

18%

1,075

1,111

(3)%

South Africa

1,577

1,178

34%

1,276

24%

4,014

2,484

62%

Canada

797

915

(13)%

899

(11)%

2,406

2,548

(6)%

Total carats recovered

9,176

7,162

28%

8,240

11%

24,585

18,439

33%

Rough diamond production increased by 28% to 9.2 million carats, reflecting planned higher production to meet stronger demand for rough diamonds.

In Botswana, production increased by 33% to 6.4 million carats primarily due to the planned treatment of higher grade ore at Jwaneng, partly offset by lower production at Orapa due to the planned closure of Plant 1.

Namibia production increased by 65% to 0.4 million carats reflecting the suspension of the marine fleet during Q3 2020, as part of the response to lower demand at that time.

South Africa production increased by 34% to 1.6 million carats due to planned treatment of higher grade ore from the final cut of the Venetia open pit and an improvement in plant performance.

Production in Canada decreased by 13% to 0.8 million carats due to lower grade ore being processed.

Demand for rough diamonds continued to be robust, with positive midstream sentiment reflecting strong demand for polished diamond jewellery, particularly in the key markets of the US and China. Rough diamond sales totalled 7.8 million carats (7.0 million carats on a consolidated basis)(2) from two Sights, compared with 6.6 million carats (6.5 million carats on a consolidated basis)(2) from three Sights in Q3 2020, and 7.3 million carats (6.5 million carats on a consolidated basis)(2) from two Sights in Q2 2021(3).

Full Year Guidance

Production guidance(1) is tightened to ~32 million carats (previously 32-33 million carats) (100% basis), due to continuing operational challenges, subject to the extent of any further Covid-19 related disruptions.

(1) De Beers Group production is on a 100% basis, except for the Gahcho Kué joint venture which is on an attributable 51% basis.
(2) Consolidated sales volumes exclude De Beers Group’s JV partners’ 50% proportionate share of sales to entities outside De Beers Group from the Diamond Trading Company Botswana and the Namibia Diamond Trading Company, which are included in total sales volume (100% basis).
(3) Due to ongoing travel restrictions and the timing of Sight 3 at the end of Q1 2021, the Sight was extended beyond its normal week-long duration. As a result, 0.2Mct (total sales volume, 100% and consolidated basis) from Sight 3 were recognised in Q2 2021.