BHP Billiton has noted a 24 percent decline in diamond production at Ekati mines in the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the previous year’s levels. The production valued at 773,000 carats. In the same year of 2008 also, the production slipped by 11 percent since the second quarter. The company has attributed this fall due to lower grades and a change in ore source, at the Ekati mines. The mines are undergoing transition from open pit mining to underground mining, and a change of mix of ore processed is expected over time. %% The company is apparently on target with its exploration and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Canada.