Diamonds

Sierra Leone
The country is now peaceful and the recently democratically elected government under President Ernest Bai Koroma is anxious to encourage foreign investment to re-start the economy. The British Government has a long term commitment to the stability of the country. To this end the British Armed Forces continue to maintain a strong presence in the country training and working closely with the Sierra Leone Army.

	The mining industry, principally diamond mining, is a major source of foreign exchange for the country.
	Renowned for the quality of its diamonds and the recovery of some exceptionally impressive stones – the largest diamond, ‘The Star of Sierra Leone’, discovered in 1972, had an uncut weight of 969.8 carats.
	Country is peaceful following civil war between 1991 and 2002.
	Democratically elected government giving high priority to issues relating to mining, the new CMP (Core Mineral Policy) is intended to encourage private sector investment.

Alluvial diamond mining
Alluvial diamonds are those that have been eroded from their primary kimberlite and lamprolite source rocks and carried down ancient river systems towards the sea.

Alluvial diamond deposits typically have a gem content of 80% or more, as most of the flawed and low quality diamonds are broken up during transport, whereas the higher quality gem stones are left largely unaffected.

Alluvial diamonds also have the advantage that exploration can be conducted rapidly and at relatively low cost and the development of economic reserves requires relatively low levels of capital investment.

Positive cash flow can often be achieved within a relatively short space of time from commencement of mining.

Kimberlite pipes
The large size of the stones we have been finding is suggestive of a nearby kimberlite source, which could be located within our mining areas. We intend to prospect for this in future as we learn more about the terrain.