Diamond Miners in Sierra Leone Impacted by Ebola

Rapaport reported that diamond miners in Sierra Leone continue to be negatively impacted by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

As quoted in the market news:

A country-wide lock-down instituted from September 18 to 21 included the Koidu mine, which is owned by the only industrial-scale diamond producer in Sierra Leone, Octéa Ltd. However, Octéa’s diamond production and sales are now proceeding without issue, according to Brett Richards, the CEO of Octéa’s parent company BSG Resources Limited.

At the Tongo diamond project, work on a definitive feasibility study for the prospective mine is expected to be delayed by logistical difficulties caused by the virus outbreak and containment efforts. A bulk sample was completed at the site at the end of August, but results from the feasibility study will not be ready for at least another six months.

Stellar Diamonds, the exploration and mine development company managing the project, had anticipated it would be able to provide an updated resource statement and financial model for the mine soon after a bulk sample was completed.

Click here to read the full Rapaport report.