[1] A feasibility study was done, which included the second phase of bulk sampling and drilling was completed in February 2004.
The result of the study was a plan for a US$15 million capital expansion programme, that would lead to a full-scale mining production capacity of 750 000 m3/year that is anticipated to yield 120 120,000 carats (24 kg) in the first year of full-scale mining.
Pilot production was underway early in 2005 with full-scale mining expected to begin six months later.
[1] The Fucauma mine is expected to produce approximately 480,000 carats (96,000 g) over a four-year period, providing earnings of US$70 million.
[2] Mining operations were suspended in May 2009 due to a decline in diamond demand caused by the Great Recession.