RAPAPORT... Lucara Diamond Corp. named Moolman Mining Botswana as its
new mining contractor at the high-value Karowe deposit in Botswana.
The rough producer said Moolman will provide a comprehensive range of
services for six years at the mine, best known for the recovery of the
1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona. The firm will start moving equipment to the site
this month and next, with mining activities set to begin in March. Moolman is a
subsidiary of Aveng Moolmans, a unit of South Africa-based Aveng Mining.
Moolman takes over from Eqstra Botswana. Lucara announced in
December it terminated Eqstra’s contract and said the service provider’s
performance remained a subject of discussion between the two parties. Eqstra subsequently
denied any allegations of improper conduct related to its performance.
Lucara said the switch won’t affect its production guidance of
290,000 carats to 310,000 carats for this year.
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