Liqhobong Operating at Full Capacity After Grid Power Restored

(IDEX Online) - After battling power interruptions, Firestone Diamonds plc has announced that stable grid power restored at its Liqhobong mine, allowing it to operate at full capacity again.

Production at Liqhobong was affected by a two-month planned shutdown of the Lesotho Electricity Company's Muela Hydropower Station. 

To minimize disruption at the mine, Firestone commissioned diesel generators. These generators have allowed the operating plant to run at 80-90-percent capacity. 

The company has reported that the costs associated with operating the rented diesel generators during this period were approximately $1.1 million. Firestone is compiling an insurance claim for the loss of profit and the additional operating costs caused by the shutdown.

Firestone holds a 75-share in Liqhobong mine. The government of Lesotho owns the remaining 25 percent.