Mine owner Merlin Diamonds confirmed the discovery of a 35.26-carat brown rough diamond, which is said to be the fifth largest stone discovered in Australia, in early January.
The finding of a 14.6-carat brown diamond and a number of smaller white diamonds were also announced at the time.
“The Merlin diamond mine is known for its high quality large super white diamonds … and the recoveries of the diamonds noted above continues to demonstrate the potential for large diamonds,” a company statement read.
This news follows the discovery of a 0.124-carat blue diamond in December 2016.
“Although only a small diamond at 0.124 carats it does demonstrate the potential for valuable coloured diamonds at Merlin and is believed to be the first blue diamond produced at Merlin,” an industry release stated.
As previously reported by Jeweller, Merlin Diamonds announced in September 2016 that production would resume at the Merlin diamond mine, with operations beginning in October.
The site had a five-year operating period that ended in 2003, and it was during that time that Australia’s largest diamond, a 104.73-carat stone, was discovered at the mine.
A Merlin Diamonds pilot production project also took place in 2013.
The Merlin diamond mine, which comprises 14 kimberlite pipes, reportedly has a remaining resource of 4.3 million carats and an 11-year life span.
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