Yes, the Tomra (pretty sure it is still there?) was operational,...

Yes, the Tomra (pretty sure it is still there?) was operational, problem was it the last chain in the process cycle. There was a plant front end and another piece (can't remember exactly) reportedly ordered, though my understanding the order never went through.
Just another example of why Merlin was never going to operate under that ownership.
It was always going to fall apart just a matter of when, I have spoken with several diamond industry people over the years and the general consensus was Merlin had the potential to be a viable/profitable mine with the right management and funding.