Gem Diamonds prepares key Gope report

Although Gem Diamonds acquired the Gope project from De Beers in 2007, development stalled due to last year's global recession and resultant cash squeeze. The diamond miner placed Gope on care and maintenance last June, lifting the status earlier this year as the diamond industry recovered from the recession.

Unveiling 2010 half-year results yesterday, Gem Diamonds' officials revealed that an updated feasibility study would be handed over to government before the end of August, critical for the commencement of negotiations towards a mining licence.