Burgundy Diamond Mines (BDM) has announced the discovery of the first fancy colour diamond at the Ellendale project since operations were restarted.
The Ellendale Mine once produced approximately 50 per cent of the world’s yellow diamonds, however, operations were suspended in 2015 when Kimberley Diamond Company entered voluntary administration.
BDM – led by managing director Peter Ravenscroft – acquired leases at Ellendale in early 2020 with plans to return the mine to ‘fully operational’ by March of 2023.
This week, BDM has announced the recovery of a 1.51-carat fancy colour yellow diamond, octahedral in shape, at the Blina mine which is adjacent to the Ellendale site.
“The first diamond recovered is an example of the potential quality of product from the Blina alluvials and the wider Ellendale project,” Ravenscroft said.
“We look forward to building towards commercial production of these exquisite fancy-yellow diamonds.”
He added: “This is especially timely as we finalise arrangements for the upcoming Australian launch of our ultra-luxury Maison Mazerea diamond brand later this month, which will be the vehicle to market and sell polished retail stones.”
BDM put pen-to-paper on an agreement to supply polished fancy colour diamonds to jeweller Solid Gold Diamonds in July.
The Maison Mazerea line will be used for bridal and engagement jewellery, while a second line of fine jewellery featuring high-value diamonds will debut in October. Solid Gold Diamonds have a flagship store in Perth, as well as a second location in Adelaide.
Australian company India Bore Diamond Holdings (IBDH) controls other sections of the Ellendale site and recently confirmed the discovery of two separate layers of diamondiferous gravel deposits.
More reading
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Burgundy Diamonds acquires 350 carats of Ellendale yellow diamonds
Possible new colour diamonds discovery at Ellendale mine
New supply agreement for Aussie diamond miner
