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QUALITY DIAMONDS MEANS QUALITY PRICES

Release Date: 13/02/2001 14:13
Code(s): TSX
Wrap Text
News release

Two 48-carat gems, from Trans Hex's Orange River mines, together grossed more than US$900 000 (R7-million) - with one diamond exceeding
US$10 500 per carat (R82 000) - at a tender held in Johannesburg recently. The two rough diamonds were among 62 stones, weighing more than ten carats each, which yielded over US$2.885-million (R22,5-million).
"Diamond prices have remained strong for our entire production assortment. And this is in the face of a slowdown in the United States economy, a market responsible for 50% of diamond jewellery sales," said Trans Hex managing director: operations, Peter Danchin.
Alluvial diamonds - those of the type mined by Trans Hex along the banks of the Orange River - are particularly desirable for jewellery purposes. This is because of the natural scouring and sorting process that takes place during transportation from the inland kimberlite pipes where they originate; those diamonds with flaws and cracks are soon destroyed on the arduous and lengthy journey to the sea.
Trans Hex achieves some of the highest diamond prices in the world because of its particular assortment of stones - 65% of the total tender value was held in stones greater than three-carats. This places the Company as South Africa's second largest diamond producer by value.
"Trans Hex has always marketed its production through a tender system open to all buyers registered with the South African Diamond Board. This guarantees full market value for the Company's production while at the same time providing South Africa's local cutting industry with access to genuine high-quality run-of-mine production," concludes Danchin. Ends. For further information : Peter Danchin Trans Hex Group Tel: (021) 939-1105 Issued by : Cullum Johnston BHA Communications
Tel (021) 683-2685 / 083 212-2455 Date : 13 February 2001

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