In operation since 1967, Finsch is one of the world’s most significant diamond mines and South Africa’s second largest diamond operation by production. The mine benefits from state-of-the-art mining infrastructure, including a modern processing plant – having gone underground in 1990.
Known for its highly commercial goods of +5 carats, Finsch is also rich in gem quality smaller diamonds. Large, special diamonds are also a feature of the orebody, with a number of +50 carat stones recovered at the mine annually. The mine also produces very rare fancy yellow diamonds.
Petra has operated at Finsch since 2011, applying some of the most up-to-date technology and skill sets to the current infrastructure. In 2023 a new fleet was acquired, managed by a highly capable and motivated team. Consistently looking for improvement, the mine has also recently adjusted and improved its blasting techniques.
ROM Tonnes
ROM GRADE
Average Price
Revenue
Gross Resources
(MCTS)
The current source of Finsch’s diamonds is the 4-level Upper Block 5 Sub Level Cave. As well as improving mining techniques and our fleet, development projects are underway to extend mine life from Lower Block 5 3-Level 90L SLC, however, these are on hold until the end of June 2024.
Resources in Block 6 and in the adjacent South West Precursor kimberlite orebody, which sits next to the main body of the Finsch kimberlite pipe, are also expected to prolong the life of mine.
Recent improvements to production have resulted from:
78-Level Phase II development
Will continue as planned to bring online during FY 2024
Lower Block 5 3-Level 90L SLC
(c. 18 Mt to 100 level)
Finsch employs c.1,880 employees and contractors. Given the generally accepted x10 multiplier effect, this means c.18,800 people in the surrounding community are dependent on the mine.
We are committed to respecting the highest ethical business standards and safeguarding human rights, upholding the value of diamonds at every step of its journey.
In FY 2023 our total lost time injury frequency rate at Finsch was 0.22.
In addition to primary healthcare and occupational health services, Petra has an extensive wellness programme to prevent, identify, monitor and support employee illnesses and conditions.
9,054 medical examinations were carried out in FY 2023 across the Group.
Responsible consumption and production are at the forefront of our operational planning at Finsch, with a dedicated focus on improved energy and water consumption, responsible waste management and biodiversity protection and rehabilitation.
FY23 Carbon Emissions
(tCO2-e/ct)
FY23 Water efficency
(m3/t)
Area of protected land
(ha)
Our ambition is to foster meaningful relationships with all our stakeholders in a manner that builds trust, ensures transparent communication and creates shared value opportunities.
We are partnered with local black economic empowerment representatives, including women’s groups and, importantly, the Itumeleng Petra Diamonds Employee Trust, ensuring for a shared vision and reward from the mine’s successes.
| Ownership | |
|---|---|
| Petra Diamonds | 74% |
| Kago Diamonds | 14% |
| Itumeleng Petra Employee Trust | 12% |
c. 49% of procurement spend is with local suppliers at our South African operations.
Petra considers providing training, education and development to local community members just as important as training its own workforce, enabling economic uplift and provide potential job opportunities.
Spent on community training & education programmes group wide
FY23
Full time bursary students from our communities supported by Petra
FY23
