Interview with Kim Truter, Managing Director & CEO of Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd.

Recording date: 28th November 2024

Burgundy Diamond Mines (ASX:BDM) presents a unique investment opportunity in the global diamond sector. As a vertically integrated company with assets spanning mining through retail, BDM aims to become an industry leader by capitalizing on the scarcity and growing demand for ethically-sourced diamonds.

The cornerstone of BDM's portfolio is the Ekati mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. Ekati is already a top 10 global diamond producer, with a vast resource of 140 million carats across 125 kimberlite pipes. Yet with only 10 pipes mined to date, there is tremendous exploration upside potential. BDM plans to sequentially develop these pipes using low capital intensity mining methods, enabling production growth to be self-funded from operating cash flows.

Beyond scale, Ekati offers high-grade ore and a wide spectrum of diamond values, with stones ranging up to $30,000 per carat. This supports strong operating margins and mitigates BDM's exposure to diamond price volatility. New discoveries are also extremely rare, with global production structurally declining, further underpinning Ekati's value as a tier-one asset.

BDM's mine-to-market strategy is another key differentiator. By owning the entire diamond journey from rough stones to polished gems to bespoke jewelry, BDM captures margins at every step. More important in today's market, vertical integration allows BDM to provide a guarantee of authenticity and responsible sourcing, which is increasingly important to younger consumers. Discussions are advancing with luxury retailers and industrial buyers for long-term supply agreements.

Driving this strategy is a proven management team with deep diamond sector expertise. CEO Kim Truter has built and operated every major diamond mine in Canada over his career. Founder Michael O'Keeffe, meanwhile, has an impressive track record of building billion-dollar resource companies like Riversdale Mining and Champion Iron.

BDM is now at an inflection point. With the acquisition and recapitalization of Ekati complete, new mining underway at Misery and Point Lake pipes, and a healthy balance sheet, the company anticipates significant near-term cash flow growth. These can be reinvested into additional mine developments and potential acquisitions, further scaling the portfolio.

While still early days, BDM offers a compelling risk/reward opportunity to gain exposure to positive diamond industry fundamentals and company-specific growth. Natural diamond supply is steadily diminishing at a time of robust demand from emerging markets and younger consumers. This structural deficit should support rising diamond prices over time. BDM is well positioned to fill this supply gap and consolidate a fragmented industry.

In a sector dominated by a handful of majors, BDM aims to become the next leading mid-cap diamond producer. With a top-tier asset, unique integrated model, and strong financial and operational momentum, BDM presents a sparkling opportunity for investors seeking exposure to an industry with attractive supply/demand dynamics and company with a clear path to value creation.

View Burgundy Diamond Mines' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/burgundy-diamond-mining

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