Richland Begins Sapphire Mining

(IDEX Online News) – Gemstone miner Richland Resources has begun commercial production of sapphire gemstones from its Capricorn Sapphire mine, located in Queensland, Australia.

Extraction from an open pit has begun, and sapphire-bearing ore is being processed at Capricorn Sapphireʼs purpose-built alluvial processing plant in the appropriately named town of Emerald.

The mine is one of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and Capricorn is capable of treating up to 200 loose cubic metres an hour. The company will work up to full-production over the next few months as it fine-tunes optimal mining conditions.

Richland’s first sapphire sales are expected to coincide with the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair in late June.

“I am very pleased to report that commercial production of sapphires has commenced following 10 months of intensive mine construction and development work,” said Bernard Olivier, CEO, of Richland Resources.

“We will now conduct a staggered production ramp-up at the mine over the coming months. The success of the mine start at Capricorn Sapphire demonstrates Richlandʼs ability to apply all its expertise and experience to new coloured gemstone operations outside of Tanzania.”