July 2014
MODERN MINING
11
MINING News
Following completion of the project
financing inMay 2014, Firestone Diamonds
plc, the AIM-quoted diamond company,
has commenced its development pro-
gramme to build and commission the
Main Treatment Plant and supporting
infrastructure at its Liqhobong mine in
Lesotho, with delivery scheduled for H1
2016. The objective of the development
programme is to create a plus 1 million-
carat-a-year diamond mining operation at
Liqhobong.
The programme is being executed by
Firestone’s projects team, led by the Chief
Project Officer, Glenn Black, who joined the
company earlier this year.
To date (26 June), says Firestone, it
has started on decommissioning and
removal of the existing pilot plant and
this is approximately 30 % complete. The
EPCM contracts, including earthworks and
civils and residue storage facility contracts,
have been signed or agreed and Firestone
has commenced general site earthworks.
The Liqhobong mining fleet has arrived on site (photo: Firestone Diamonds).
Earthworks underway at Liqhobong site
These include widening and rerouting
the site access road; building the residue
slimes retaining wall; and early civil works.
Overhead power line and main substa-
tion mobilisation has begun and the first
mining fleet has arrived on site. Further,
major equipment long lead items have
been approved by the tender board com-
mittee and contracts have been placed.
Lastly, major equipment deliveries are
aligned to the company’s current baseline
development schedule. To date, approxi-
mately 73 % of the EPCM budget has been
committed.
