North of 60 Mining News - The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North

Dominion Diamond Corp. March 6 reported an updated reserves and resources statement, which adds 3.9 million metric tons containing roughly 13 million carats to the mineral reserves at the Diavik diamond mine in Northwest Territories.

As of Dec. 31, 2014, the Diavik Diamond Mine had 18.1 million metric tons of proven and probable mineral reserves containing 53.3 million carats of diamonds.

At the A-21 pipe, 3.7 million metric tons containing 10 million carats has been promoted to proven reserve from probable reserve material.

In addition, at the A-154 North pipe, 0.24 million metric tons of inferred resources at depth were upgraded to probable mineral reserve status.

Within the remaining reserve at the A-154 North pipe, 500,000 metric tons were promoted to proven reserves from probable reserves, supported by sampling in the active mine, which improved confidence for production forecasting.

Dominion said further conversion of resources to reserves is expected as ongoing work plans progress.

Dominion owns a 40 percent interest in the Diavik Mine.

Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., a subsidiary of London-based Rio Tinto plc, owns the remaining 60 percent and operates the high-grade diamond mine.