Mountain Province Diamonds has reported that it recovered fewer carats year-on-year in its Q3 diamond mining operations, despite mining more total ore and waste overall.

The Canadian diamond mining company revealed that its year-on-year total tonnes mined, including ore and waste, was up 4% in Q3 2021 to 10.28 million tonnes.

Ore tonnes mined and ore tonnes treated were also both up, 16% and 1% respectively.

Carats recovered from the operation during this period, however, was down 13% to 1.56 million tonnes from nearly 1.8 million in Q3 2020.

Jonathan Comerford, the company’s chairman and interim chief executive officer, commented: “I am pleased with the performance of the mine in Q3.

“The grade was lower in the quarter due to planned processing of lower grade material, and because of the previously stated change to a larger bottom cut-off screen size.

“Despite this we remain well on target to meet our production guidance of 6,300,000 – 6,500,000 carats recovered for 2021.

“The operator has done a good job in recovering some of the lost production from the temporary suspension of operations due to Covid-19 in Q1.

“The sizeable stockpile built up at the plant also gives us confidence that we will reach our goals for the year.”