Liqhobong study nears finish

A feasibility study of the Liqhobong diamond project in Lesotho is nearing completion.

MineGem (MGEM-C) (formerly Messina Diamond) is focusing on the Satellite kimberlite pipe, which hosts an indicated resource of 2.6 million tonnes averaging 69 carats per 100 tonnes. The volume estimate is based on results from 6,235 metres of drilling on that and three other known kimberlite bodies, whereas the grade is the average of 6,098 carats recovered from an 8,871-tonne sample of the Satellite pipe alone.

The feasibility is being conducted jointly by Bateman Minerals & Industrial Group and SRK Consulting, and is expected to be completed by mid-September. The work entails recalculating the resource and proposing an open-pit design.

A South African bank is funding the Liqhobong project and can acquire a 10% or 40% interest in it. The amount will depend, in part, on the study’s conclusions.