De Beers says SAfrica mines halted over power crisis

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 25 (Reuters) - De Beers, the world's biggest diamond producer, halted operations at its six South African mines due to a power crisis that has been declared a national emergency in the country, the firm said on Friday.

De Beers, 45 percent owned by mining group Anglo American Plc (AAL.L), said its South African unit De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) had ceased production from its six mines - Venetia, Finsch, Kimberley, Cullinan, The Oaks and Namaqualand.

The firm said it had reduced electricity use to "survival load", to run essential ventilation, pumping and lighting and safety-related services only. (Reporting by James Macharia)