African Diamonds Wins Sierra Leone Mining License
March 01, 04
Exploration company African Diamonds is to start operations in the Kono district of Sierra Leone after winning a mining license.
The license covers the former National Diamond Mining Corporation tailings from the Plant 11 alluvial mining operation.
The Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Kamara chiefdom have given the necessary approvals and the license will be issued in the coming weeks.
Between 1962 and 1992, Plant 11 was one of the richest and largest alluvial diamond plants in the world.
Against the background of strong competition and resurgent interest in mineral rich but under-explored Sierra Leone, African Diamonds believes the successful acquisition of Plant 11 is an exciting and valuable addition to its portfolio.
African Diamonds chairman John Teeling was positive on the area’s diamond potential: "We know that there are diamonds in the tailings. Almost all of them will be small but many will be top quality.
"We are immediately commencing a drilling program to define grades and tonnages."
African Diamonds holds three prospecting licenses in Botswana and is seeking a secondary listing of its shares on the Botswana Stock Exchange.