Deal #4950

Land area

Size under contract (leased or purchased area)

[2010] 10.0 ha
[2019, current] 189.0 ha

Size in operation (production)

[2019, current] 189.0 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. Area in operation derived from the Mapathon 2020.

Intention of investment

[2019, current] Mining (189.0 ha)

Comment on intention of investment

Area in operation derived from the Mapathon 2020.

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

[2010, current] Concluded (Contract signed)

Comment on negotiation status

Previously owned by Kopane Diamond Development. Acquired by Firestone in 2010.

Implementation status

[2011] Startup phase (no production)
[2016] In operation (production)
[2019, 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

No