Business
Opening of Ghaghoo Mine
Opening of Ghaghoo Mine.
About this update from Gem Diamonds Limited
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \nRNS Number : 7463Q Gem Diamonds Limited 05 September 2014 \n\n \n5 September 2014\nGEM DIAMONDS LIMITED\n(\"Gem Diamonds\" or \"the Company\")\nOpening of Ghaghoo Mine\n \nGem Diamonds Limited (LSE: GEMD) is pleased to announce the opening of the Ghaghoo diamond mine in Botswana, which will be the first underground diamond mine in the country. This is a significant milestone for Gem Diamonds as the Company looks forward to operating its second major producing diamond mine, in addition to the Letšeng mine in Lesotho. Gem Diamonds is hosting an opening ceremony at the mine today. The President of Botswana, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, will be attending the event and officially opening the mine.\n \nThe Ghaghoo diamond mine,will be the first underground diamond minein Botswana. Botswana is the world's leading diamond producer and home to some of the largest, most profitable diamond mines, making this an ideal country for Gem Diamonds to operate in. Through a phased development plan, Ghaghoo is expected to emerge aspart of a new generation of diamond mines in Botswana, with a core focus on ensuring that the highest benchmarks of excellence across health and safety and social and environmental impacts are achieved. The Company has undergone a series of extensive studies and assessments relating to the environment, local communities and broader social impacts of the Ghaghoo mine, which will provide a critical framework to ensure that the mine operates to the most stringent of international standards. This is a strategic priority for the Company in a rapidly changing environment for the global mining industry, and will contribute to the further to the modernisation of the diamond mining industry to ensure long term sustainability.\n \nThe mine has a unique foot print, as an underground diamond mine, significantly reducing environmental impacts. The mine has been built to very high specifications to ensure that the environment is protected as far as possible, with comprehensive rehabilitation plans in place. The Company has undergone a number of in-depth community consultations as part of a broader community and social engagement strategy and as a means to accurately understand potential social impacts. Gem Diamonds is committed to ensuring the well being of affe...