Recovery of two exceptional +160 carat diamonds

RNS Number : 9353Z

Gem Diamonds Limited

13 February 2014

 



13 February 2014

GEM DIAMONDS LIMITED

("Gem Diamonds" or "the Company")

Recovery of two exceptional +160 carat diamonds

Gem Diamonds Limited (LSE: GEMD) is pleased to announce the recovery of two +160 carat diamonds from the Letšeng mine at the end of January 2014.

These two rough diamonds (a 162.06 carat type II diamond and a 161.74 carat type I diamond) are each expected to achieve top prices at Letšeng's February tender.

Both diamonds were recovered in largely undamaged condition, providing further confirmation that the measures which have been implemented to reduce diamond damage at Letšeng are bearing fruit.

Gem Diamonds CEO, Clifford Elphick commented:

"We are pleased to see the Letšeng mine continue to deliver such large high quality white diamonds as the mine confirms its position as the world's foremost source of exceptional large diamonds.

For further information:

Gem Diamonds Limited

Sherryn Tedder, Investor Relations

Tel: [phone]

Mob: [phone]

 Bell Pottinger

Charles Vivian    Tel: [phone]

Joanna Boon     Tel: [phone]

About Gem Diamonds:

Gem Diamonds is a leading producer of high value diamonds. The Company owns 70% of the Letšeng mine in Lesotho as well as the Ghaghoo mine, currently in development in Botswana. The Letšeng mine is famous for the production of large, top colour, exceptional white diamonds, making it the highest dollar per carat kimberlite diamond mine in the world. Since Gem Diamonds' acquisition of Letšeng in 2006, the mine has produced four of the top twenty largest white gem quality diamonds recorded.

Gem Diamonds has a growth strategy based on the expansion of the Letšeng mine and the development of the Ghaghoo mine, while maintaining its strong balance sheet. The Company seeks to maximise revenue and margin from its rough diamond production by pursuing cutting, polishing and sales and marketing initiatives further along the diamond value chain. With favourable supply/demand dynamics expected to benefit the diamond industry over the medium to long term, particularly at the high end of the market, this strategy positions the Company well to generate attractive returns for shareholders in the coming years.

www.gemdiamonds.com

 

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