The Russian miner and its local partner, Catoca Mining, say Luaxe could produce 1 million carats, worth $90 million, next year.

Improved guidance integrates the eight effectiveness criteria of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

While bullish on copper, the miner has also cut production guidance for 2020 to between 620,000 and 670,000 tonnes.

Production, hoisting and processing have stopped immediately at Cullinan, Finsch and Koffiefontein mines.

Processing was halted from Oct.1 to Oct. 26, when diesel generators were commissioned. The plant then operated at between 80% and 90% capacity throughout November.

The company has earmarked $53 million for early work on a planned underground mine at Karowe. A final investment decision will be made in the second half of 2020.