De Beers says SAfrica mines halted over power crisis

Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:32pm EST
 
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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: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), 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)

 

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