Overall project more than 70 percent complete
On plan and budget for first production in H2 2016
Patrick Evans, Mountain Province President and CEO, commented: 'We're on track for first production in H2 2016. Key areas of focus are contractor productivity and preparation for operational readiness.'
Mr. Evans added: 'Gahcho Kué continues to meet our lending group's tests-to-completion and further draw-downs against the Company's US$370M project finance facility have been approved. We have drawn down US$137M against the facility and expect to have drawn down a total of US$158M by yearend.'
Staffing at Gahcho Kué has peaked at approximately 600 on-site employees and contractors and will now begin to decline in the months ahead as major construction projects are completed. During production there will be approximately 400 employees at Gahcho Kué.
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The Gahcho Kué Project consists of a cluster of four diamondiferous kimberlites, three of which have a probable mineral reserve of 35.4 million tonnes grading 1.57 carats per tonne for total diamond content of 55.5 million carats.
A 2014 NI 43-101 feasibility study report filed by Mountain Province (available on SEDAR) indicates that the Gahcho Kué project has an IRR of 32.6%.
The Gahcho Kué diamond mine is expected to produce an average of 4.5 million carats a year over a 12 year mine life.
This news release has been prepared under the supervision of Carl G. Verley, P.Geo., who serves as the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
This news release includes certain information that may constitute 'forward-looking information' under applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the Company's strategic plans, future operations, future work programs and objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Patrick Evans, President and CEO
Phone: (416) 361-3562
E-mail: info@mountainprovince.com www.mountainprovince.com
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