5th Sep 2014 06:40
LONDON (Alliance News) - Gem Diamonds Ltd Friday said the Ghaghoo diamond mine in Botswana has been opened, the first underground diamond mine in the country.
Gem, which will host an opening ceremony for the mine Friday, said it marks a significant milestone for the company as it looks towards making the Ghaghoo mine its second operating facility after the Let?eng mine in Lesotho.
The company said the environmental impact of the mine has been mitigated by being built underground and said that once the Phase 1 production phase is achieved, it intends to employ around 250 people in Botswana.
The Phase 1 process will look to confirm the grade, diamond prices and recovery processes for the mine, including the use of autogenous milling, which Gem expects to increase diamond liberation.
"We are very pleased to be bringing the Ghaghoo mine into production. This is a significant step forward for Gem Diamonds as a company as we add another mine to our portfolio of producing assets," said Gem Chief Executive Clifford Elphick
"The potential of this ore body and the economic benefits to shareholders, employees and the Botswana nation will soon become evident," Elphick added.
By Sam Unsted; [email protected]; @SamUAtAlliance
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