BlueRock moves to continuous operations

Diamond miner BlueRock has been granted the necessary permissions to allow it to move to 365-day operations.

BlueRock told investors on Friday that it was now in the process of finalising its preparations for the move to continuous operations and noted that, although the move was "slightly later than had been anticipated", the delay had not brought about "any material impact" upon its production guidance of between 35,000 tonnes and 45,000 tonnes in the first quarter of the year.

In fact, BlueRock said its production volume for the first quarter was expected to be "nearer the upper end" of its guidance range.

Chief executive Adam Waugh said: "The move to 365-day operations is a significant step in our drive to increase production volumes and move towards profitability.

"We look forward to updating the market as further progress is made."

As of 1100 GMT, BlueRock shares had picked up 4.40% to 0.26p.