Cempaka diamond mine output reaches 50,000 carats

London-based BDI Mining Corp. announced Tuesday that its Cempaka alluvial diamond mine in South Kalimantan had reached the production of 50,000 carats of gem diamonds since the commercial operations in March 2005.

?This production milestone arrives as the initial stages of the Phase II expansion of operations commence. Dewatering of the first mining pit in the Cempaka channel has now been completed, with the pre-stripping of overburden having commenced,? BDI Mining said in a statement.

According to the statement, Phase II mining will target an eventual production rate of 100,000 carats per year.

BDI has 80 percent stake at Cempaka project with state miner PT Aneka Tambang holds the remaining balance. (robert)