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: 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)