Lucapa Hopes to Reopen Mothae, Despite COVID-19

(IDEX Online) - Australian miners Lucapa hopes to resume operations at its Mothae mine, in Lesotho, which has been closed since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Mothae diamond mine is an important contributor to the Basotho nation and Lucapa's strong marketing proposal, we believe, will see the full value of the Mothae kimberlite mine unlocked," said CEO Stephen Wetherall in a statement.

Lesotho, a landlocked kingdom encircled by South Africa, remained free of coronavirus until mid-May but currently has 718 cases and has recorded 19 deaths.

The government holds a 30 per cent stake in Mothae (pictured), which is currently on care and maintenance. Lucapa has submitted a marketing proposal and is offering off-take provisions in the hope it can restart the mine.