Harry Winston Diamond Corporation announces Diavik Diamond Mine cancels winter production shutdown
16 9월 2009 - 11:17AM
PR Newswire (US)
TORONTO, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harry Winston Diamond
Corporation (TSX: HW, NYSE: HWD) is pleased to announce Diavik
Diamond Mines Inc.'s decision to cancel a winter production
shutdown at the Diavik mine in Canada's Northwest Territories.
Earlier this year, Diavik had announced a series of actions in
response to changes in market conditions, including plans for a
summer and winter production shutdown. The summer shutdown was
safely and successfully concluded on August 24 and rough diamond
production has returned to pre shutdown levels. The winter
shutdown, which has now been cancelled, was originally planned for
1 December 2009 through 11 January 2010. Robert Gannicott, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Harry Winston Diamond Corporation
commented "We are pleased to be able to resume regular supplies of
Diavik diamonds to our valued customer base who, in turn,
appreciate continuity of supply in support of their own businesses.
We do not foresee a return to extreme conditions that would warrant
a further shutdown" During the summer production shutdown Diavik
remained in compliance with all permits and licences. Mining and
processing of ore ceased but other work, including environmental
monitoring, raising of the embankment around the processed
kimberlite containment area, and planned equipment maintenance
occurred. Approximately 600 workers were affected but were able to
use accumulated leave entitlements or access salary averaging. The
Diavik Diamond Mine, currently an open pit mine, is planning to
commence underground production in early 2010. By 2012, Diavik
expects open pit mining will cease at which time Diavik will become
an all underground mine. About Harry Winston Diamond Corporation
Harry Winston Diamond Corporation is a specialist diamond
enterprise with assets in the mining and retail segments of the
diamond industry. Harry Winston supplies rough diamonds to the
global market from its 40 percent ownership interest in the Diavik
Diamond Mine (economic ownership of 31%). The Company's retail
division is a premier diamond jeweler and luxury timepiece retailer
with salons in key locations, including New York, Paris, London,
Beijing, Tokyo, and Beverly Hills. The Company focuses on the two
most profitable segments of the diamond industry, mining and
retail, in which its expertise creates shareholder value. This
unique business model provides key competitive advantages; rough
diamond sales and polished diamond purchases provide market
intelligence that enhances the Company's overall performance. For
investor information, visit http://investor.harrywinston.com/ or
call Investor Relations on (416) 362-2237 ext 290 DATASOURCE: Harry
Winston Diamond Corporation CONTACT: please visit
http://www.harrywinston.com/
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