Letseng Diamond Mine

Lesotho / Mokhotlong /
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Gem Diamonds Ltd [LSE:GEMD] is operating the Letšeng mine. It has been producing 50,000 carats a year, but, with fresh investment under its new owners, it plans to double that to about 100,000 carats a year.
Letšeng Diamonds Limited is owned 70% by Gem Diamonds and 30% by the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Operated by De Beers between 1977 and 1982, Letšeng was reopened in 2004 and acquired by Gem Diamonds in 2006. Letšeng Mine consists of two primary vertical kimberlite pipes, together with deposits of alluvial gravels. The two pipes are adjacent with cone-shaped sections and confirmed vertical depths of 495 m and 655 m, respectively.

This is the highest altitude diamond mine in the World. Combined with the considerable distance South of the Equator it snows here and has reached temperatures of -25c.
Source: spilpunt.blogspot.com
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   29°0'3"S   28°51'55"E

Comments

  • A 478 carat diamond was recovered here on the 8th Sep 2008.20th-largest rough diamond ever found.
  • The quality of the diamonds was very high so even if the volume was low profits were made.
  • It is just down the road from Lesotho's one ski area.
This article was last modified 9 years ago