SourcingAug 14, 2023
De Beers Mines First Diamonds From Venetia Underground SourcingAug 15, 2023
Lucara CEO Eira Thomas Replaced by William Lamb
The move comes after news surfaced that the Karowe mine’s underground expansion will take longer and cost more than expected.
Eira Thomas, pictured in a 2018 file photo, is out as president and CEO of mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. and replaced by former Lucara CEO William Lamb, who led the company from 2011-2018.
Vancouver, British Columbia—The board of Lucara Diamond Corp. announced it is appointing William Lamb president and CEO, replacing the diamond mining company’s co-founder, Eira Thomas.
Thomas started Lucara in 2007 with Swedish-Canadian billionaire Lukas Lundin and friend and mining executive Catherine McLeod-Seltzer after contributing to the discovery of the pipes that became the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.
One of the few women chief executives in the largely male-dominated world of mining, Thomas had headed Lucara as president and CEO since 2018.
In a statement released late Monday, Lucara said Thomas has been “integral” to the success of the development and success of the company’s key—and only active—asset, the Karowe mine in Botswana.
It said: “The board would like to acknowledge the special contributions Eira has made over her many years of involvement with Lucara in her capacity as a director, and specifically over the last five years as CEO,” noting her spearheading of the company’s innovative sales agreement with manufacturer HB Antwerp and leading the commercialization of its digital sales platform, Clara.
“More recently under Ms. Thomas’ leadership, the Karowe Mine achieved peak operational performance and she and her team arranged for a senior secured project financing debt package of $220 million enabling the underground expansion to advance.”
While Thomas was integral to securing funding to take Karowe underground, the company recently announced the underground project will take longer and cost more than originally estimated.
Related stories will be right here …
Thomas started Lucara in 2007 with Swedish-Canadian billionaire Lukas Lundin and friend and mining executive Catherine McLeod-Seltzer after contributing to the discovery of the pipes that became the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada.
One of the few women chief executives in the largely male-dominated world of mining, Thomas had headed Lucara as president and CEO since 2018.
In a statement released late Monday, Lucara said Thomas has been “integral” to the success of the development and success of the company’s key—and only active—asset, the Karowe mine in Botswana.
It said: “The board would like to acknowledge the special contributions Eira has made over her many years of involvement with Lucara in her capacity as a director, and specifically over the last five years as CEO,” noting her spearheading of the company’s innovative sales agreement with manufacturer HB Antwerp and leading the commercialization of its digital sales platform, Clara.
“More recently under Ms. Thomas’ leadership, the Karowe Mine achieved peak operational performance and she and her team arranged for a senior secured project financing debt package of $220 million enabling the underground expansion to advance.”
While Thomas was integral to securing funding to take Karowe underground, the company recently announced the underground project will take longer and cost more than originally estimated.
Her replacement, Lamb, served as Lucara CEO from May 2011 to February 2018 and oversaw the construction of the original Karowe mine and its facilities.
He also was head at Lucara when the miner discovered and sold the 1,109-carat “Lesedi La Rona” diamond, which Graff Diamonds bought for $53 million in 2017.
The company said his experience is “ideally suited to advancing the company’s key underground project to a successful completion.”
Lamb has been working in mining project development and operations for 25 years.
Prior to heading Lucara, he spent a decade at De Beers, working for six of those as a process plant manager for De Beers Canada, and has served on the boards of several public mining companies.
The company confirmed that his appointment is effective immediately.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
