29 Jan 2013 07:00
Firestone Diamonds plc
("Firestone" or the "Company") (AIM: FDI)
Response to press speculation
Firestone confirms that on Wednesday 16th January 2013 a local police department removed computer equipment from the mine site in Liqhobong without a search warrant or court order. There has been no disruption or impact to the operations. The Company has also confirmed that it is engaging with the Ministry of Police and has met with the Minister of Mines for Lesotho in order to understand the allegations behind the investigation. The directors of Firestone are not aware of any wrongdoing by the Company.
For more information, please visit the Company's website at: www.firestonediamonds.com or contact:
Firestone Diamonds Tim Wilkes
| +27 (79)8719686 / +44 20 8741 7810
|
Mirabaud Securities (Broker) Rory Scott
| +44 20 7878 3360
|
N+1 Singer (Nominated Adviser) Jonny Franklin-Adams Alex Wright
| +44 20 7496 3000
|
Tavistock Communications Jos Simson Emily Fenton
| +44 20 7920 3150 / +44 7899 870 450 |
Background information on Firestone Diamonds:
Firestone Diamonds plc is an international diamond mining and exploration company with operations focused on Lesotho and Botswana. Firestone currently operates the Liqhobong Mine in Lesotho and is also one of the largest holder of mineral rights in Botswana's diamondiferous kimberlite fields, controlling approximately 5,510 square kilometres including prospecting licenses around the major Orapa mine, as well as the entire Kokong and Tsabong kimberlite fields. In addition to Liqhobong and BK11, Firestone has 128 kimberlites in its portfolio, of which 30 have been proven to be diamondiferous to date.
Lesotho is emerging as one of Africa's significant new diamond producers, and hosts Gem Diamonds' Letseng Mine, Firestone's Liqhobong Mine as well as Namakwa Diamonds' Kao Mine and the Mothae development project.