Aim-listed Kazera Global achieved record diamond recovery, improved diamond revenue terms and continued progress across all operations, the group highlights in an operational update for its diamond-mining subsidiary Deep Blue Minerals, heavy mineral sands (HMS) subsidiary Whale Head Minerals (WHM) and its application for the 3 000 ha 2A concession mining right in Alexander Bay, South Africa.

Fifty-seven diamonds were extracted from just 40 t of screened gravel processed over one-and-a-half days, averaging 0.72 ct per diamond, including the company’s largest diamond of the year at almost 7 ct, Kazera points out.

In-house processing now allows for near-instant analysis of gravels, enabling focus on areas with the highest diamond-to-gravel ratios.

The revised agreement with Alexkor RMC Joint Venture (ARJV) increases Deep Blue’s proportion of diamond sales revenue.

Diamonds, initially expected to represent a modest share of total income, are now anticipated to become a significant contributor to group revenues in the future, Kazera avers.

The HMS project, meanwhile, is progressing as planned.

Production and sales remain steady, with titanium dioxide pigment content consistent with previous levels, ensuring product quality and marketability.

Opportunities have been recognised to increase HMS production capacity by up to three times. Assessment work is underway.

MINING RIGHT APPLICATION

The 2A licence application continues to progress, with the company confident of a positive outcome.

It posits that widespread local engagement in the 2A project demonstrates strong community backing, recognising the employment and economic benefits anticipated in the region.

“This update highlights the continuing operational and strategic progress across the group. Our diamond operations are performing exceptionally well, both in terms of recovery levels and in the speed and accuracy with which we can now process, analyse and target gravels.

“The improved revenue terms agreed with ARJV further strengthen the commercial foundations of this growing part of the business,” says CEO Dennis Edmonds.

“Our HMS operation remains stable and predictable, providing a dependable basis for growth, while we continue to have strong confidence in a positive outcome for the 2A licence. As we move into the final quarter of the year, Kazera is well placed, with solid operational momentum and multiple value drivers across its portfolio,” he adds.