RAPAPORT… Gem Diamonds has unearthed a 254-carat rough stone in Lesotho, marking a return to high-value discoveries following a lull.
The “high-quality,” type II, white diamond came from the company’s lucrative Letšeng mine, it said in a statement Tuesday.
The miner had not publicized any noteworthy finds since January, when the deposit produced a 146.9-carat rough. Output of large diamonds was sluggish in the first quarter because of the nature of the areas of Letšeng the company accessed during the quarter, CEO Clifford Elphick said last month.
Image: The 254-carat diamond. (Gem Diamonds)
Letšeng Mine Produces 254ct. Rough
The Bottom Line
- Gem Diamonds discovered a 254-carat, type II white diamond at the Letšeng mine in Lesotho.
- This find marks a return to significant high-value diamond recoveries after a period of fewer notable stones.
- Production of large diamonds was slow in Q1 due to the specific mining areas accessed at Letšeng.
Summary by Rapaport AI
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