JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Aim-listed Firestone Diamonds has scheduled its first diamond sale, in Antwerp, from February 6 to 10, as its Liqhobong mine, in Lesotho, ramps up to full output.
In the three months ended December 31, the company recovered over 20 special stones larger than 10.8 ct from the mine, including a 37 ct white diamond and several fancy yellow diamonds.
Diamond recoveries started in late October.
"Construction activities at Liqhobong were completed early in the [December] quarter and we are currently in the commissioning and ramp-up stage of the project. We have been pleased with the tonnes processed by the plant, which has already seen nameplate production reached on multiple occasions at this early stage of ramp-up,” said CEO Stuart Brown.
Further, through the processing of lower-grade stockpiles and diluted ore, the company was able to produce 58 000 ct, at a grade of 14.4 carats per hundred tonnes.
Firestone expects to host two sales every quarter, with the second auction of this quarter due to be held late in the quarter.
Edited by: Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online
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