FDI.L Regulatory News (FDI)

12 Dec 2005 07:01

Firestone Diamonds PLC12 December 2005 Firestone Diamonds plc Senior Executive Appointment LONDON: 12 December 2005 The Board of Firestone Diamonds plc ("Firestone"), the AIM-quoted diamond miningand exploration company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. TimWilkes to the position of Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility formanaging all operational aspects of the company's portfolio of mining andexploration projects. Mr. Wilkes will be based at Firestone's offices in CapeTown and will report to Philip Kenny, Chief Executive. Mr. Wilkes has over twenty four years' experience in the diamond industry.Prior to joining Firestone in May 2005 as Director - Resource Development, hewas General Manager - Mineral Resource Management for De Beers and was theCompetent Person responsible for the management of De Beers' mineral resourceportfolio worldwide. He is currently Chairman of the Diamonds Sub-committee ofthe South African Mineral Resource Committee (SAMREC), which is responsible forthe publication of the SAMREC Code. The SAMREC Code defines the standards forreporting of exploration results, mineral resources and mineral reserves inSouth Africa. Commenting on the appointment, Philip Kenny said "We are currently planning asignificant expansion of our mining and exploration activities in South Africaand Botswana, following the completion of a £10 million financing in November.Since joining Firestone earlier this year, Tim has made a significantcontribution to Firestone's continued development, particularly in relation toour joint ventures with De Beers in Botswana and at the Groen River Valley inSouth Africa. In the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, weexpect him to play a leading role in helping Firestone to achieve its objectiveof becoming a leading mid-tier diamond mining and exploration company." For further information: Philip Kenny, Firestone Diamonds +44 20 8834 1028 / +44 7831 324 645Leesa Peters, Conduit PR +44 20 7429 6600 / +44 7812 159 885Jamie Cumming, Bell Lawrie +44 141 314 8103 / +44 7768 044 620 Website: www.firestonediamonds.com ________________________________________________________________________________ Background information on Firestone Diamonds plc: Firestone Diamonds plc is an international diamond mining and explorationcompany with operations in the Namaqualand region of South Africa, Botswana andthe United States. Firestone is well funded and has a highly qualifiedmanagement team with extensive experience in the exploration, evaluation anddevelopment of diamond projects. Firestone is quoted on the AlternativeInvestment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange and trades under the symbolFDI.L. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange