(IDEX Online News) – Lucara Diamond Corp. says it will install more of XRT technology to process finer size fractions at its Karowe mine in Botswana which it says has been successful.

The installation of four new XRT diamond recovery units and the associated conveying and screening infrastructure, will target the recovery of diamonds in the size range between 4mm and 8mm.

The XRT technology, which is already in use at the Karowe mine will address processing of the very dense high quality south lobe ore at depth and will result in the most efficient and cost effective processing methodology for processing the ore. The project is forecast to cost up to $30 million and is expected to be completed in Q4 2017.

William Lamb, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “Lucara continues to lead the way in the adoption of new technology to streamline the diamond recovery process with the XRT technology being a proven success for diamond recovery at the Karowe mine. The extension of XRT technology to recover the majority of our diamonds at Karowe maximizes our overall processing efficiency and will contribute to continued strong operating margins across the entire value range for our high quality south lobe diamonds.

“In addition, the implementation of the new sorters will allow for improved control of the size fractions treated by the XRT machines allowing for improved flexibility and an expected improvement in production rates.”