Please note: you are viewing an old version of this deal. The current version can be found here: Deal #4950

Deal #4950 Version #70237

Lesotho
Created at
2016-01-26
Last update
2017-01-16
Last full update
2020-08-07

Land area

Intended size
10 ha
Size under contract (leased or purchased area)
  • [2010, current] 10.0 ha
Comment on land area
The satellite pipe covers a surface area of 1.6ha, while the main pipe, located approximately 300m from the satellite pipe, covers a surface area of 8.6ha (total 10.2ha).The mine is considered to be the world's third biggest undeveloped kimberlite resource.

Intention of investment

Intention of investment
  • [current] Mining

Nature of the deal

Nature of the deal
Exploitation permit / license / concession (for mineral resources)
Comment on nature of the deal
Mining license valid until 2021 (under the revised mining license granted to Firestone in 2010). Options to renew it by two additional periods of 10 years each.

Negotiation status

Negotiation status
  • [2010, current] Concluded (Contract signed)
Comment on negotiation status
Previously owned by Kopane Diamond Development. Acquired by Firestone in 2010.

Implementation status

Implementation status
  • [2011] Startup phase (no production)
  • [2016, current] In operation (production)
Comment on implementation status
Previously owned by Kopane Diamond Development which started production in 2005. Once Firestone acquired the mine- trial production commenced at Liqhobong following the commissioning of the pilot plant, from July 2011 until October 2013, which produced in excess of 325,000 carats. Project has been in construction phase since 2014, production expected in 2016.

Contract farming

Contract farming
No