petra diamonds ltd on tuesday reported revenue rose 49 in the first half of the fiscal year the diamond producer achieved gross revenue of 2647 million in the six months ended dec 31 up from 1781 million a year earlier this was despite a 7 drop in sales volumes and as production increased 2 this strong operating performance together with proceeds from the sale of exceptional stones supported by a strong market delivering ongoing price increases has raised profitability further strengthened our balance sheet and improved our cash position chief executive richard duffy said in addition petra said production guidance for the whole fiscal year remains unchanged while capital expenditure is now seen toward the lower end of the 78 million92 million range