PJSC Alrosa said Oct. 4 that it plans to increase output at the Ebelyakh group deposits, part of the Anabar Division operation in Russia's Sakha Republic, by 1 million carats in 2019.

The company completed preliminary work on the expansion in Russia's Far East, including some logistical supplies, and is developing rotation camps after ordering special-purpose equipment.

Alrosa said its Almazy Anabara unit mined more than 5.4 million carats of rough diamonds, setting a new record and exceeding its target by 9%, during this year's washing season, which lasted from late May to Sept. 24.

The positive result was partially due to favorable weather conditions allowing for extended operations. Almazy Anabara started supplementary gold mining in 2017 and produced 80 kilograms that year, which increased to 113 kilograms in 2018.

The group's second-quarter diamond output fell 18% year on year to 8.5 million carats, while earnings for the period improved 1% thanks to higher diamond selling prices.