Stellar Diamonds Tongo project receives environmental approval

By Dale Benton
Share
A significant kimberlite development project in Sierra Leone has moved one step closer after receiving environmental approval. Stellar Diamonds plc the...

A significant kimberlite development project in Sierra Leone has moved one step closer after receiving environmental approval.

Stellar Diamonds plc the London listed diamond development company focused on the Tongo kimberlite development project (“Tongo”) in Sierra Leone, has announced the award of the Tongo Environmental Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) of the Government of Sierra Leone.

The company now believes that the next step will see the National Minerals Agency draw up the Tongo Mining Licence for consideration and signature by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.

Related stories:

Mining Global Magazine - October 2017

Corruption, transparency and regulation: how at risk is Kenya's mining sector?
 

Barrick Gold strikes 50/50 deal with Tanzanian government for Acacia mining
 

Endeavour achieves first gold pour at Hounde on time and under budget

 

Chief Executive Karl Smithson commented:

“The receipt of the Environmental Licence marks an important milestone in the proposed development of the Tongo deposit into commercial production. The next milestone will be the drafting of the Tongo Mining Licence. Tongo forms part of the proposed 4.5 million carat combined Tongo-Tonguma mine development which has the potential to be the second largest hard rock diamond mine in West Africa and have one of the highest $/t kimberlite ore values globally. We look forward to providing a further update in due course.”

The 4.5 million carat high-grade and high value Tongo-Tonguma kimberlite diamond project ias located in the world-famous diamond fields of eastern Sierra Leone.

An independently generated mine plan, based on over 66,000m of drilling that has been completed to date, envisages the production of over 4 million carats, generating gross revenues of more than US$1.2 billion, over a 21-year life of mine. Initial production at Tongo-Tonguma is scheduled to occur in the first year of development, building up to over 200,000 carats per annum.

Share

Featured Articles

Electric Mining Machines Growth 'will Drive Battery Demand'

Electric equipment battery demand expands as mining sector evaluates charging infrastructure needs, according to new research from technology analysis firm

ABB and Codelco Partner on Chilean Mine Decarbonisation

State copper producer Codelco to collaborate with mines automation specialist ABB on digital solutions and electrification across Chilean mining operations

London Metal Exchange: Trading Hub With 450-Year History

From its origins in London's Royal Exchange to its acquisition by HK Exchanges and Clearing, the LME's history mirrors the evolution of the metals market

EY Survey Shows Capital As Top Mining Risk For 2025

Supply Chain & Operations

Rio Tinto, BHP & Glencore 'Feeling the Pinch on Copper'

Supply Chain & Operations

Glencore & Schneider Partner on Copper Supply Chain

Sustainability