Sourcing

Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine

SourcingMay 16, 2024

Lucapa to Shed Stake in Lesotho Diamond Mine

The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.

Mothae Diamond Mine Lesotho
Miner Lucapa Diamond Co. is looking to sell its 70 percent stake in the Mothae Diamond Mine in Lesotho, a small, landlocked kingdom encircled by South Africa.
Subiaco, Western Australia—A diamond mining company with operations in Angola and Lesotho is looking to divest from one of its mines.

Lucapa Diamond Co. Ltd. announced Wednesday that it is looking to offload its stake in the Mothae Diamond Mine, which is 70 percent owned by Lucapa and 30 percent owned by the Lesotho government. 

Located in the country’s Maluti Mountains, Mothae is an open-pit mine that began commercial operations in 2019.

It is known for producing large high-value diamonds that, according to Lucapa, command the second-highest dollar-per-carat price for kimberlite diamonds worldwide.

In addition to Mothae, Lucapa holds a 40 percent stake in the Lulo alluvial diamond mine in Angola, with the remaining 60 percent split between state-owned Endiama and Rosas & Petalas, a private company. 

Lucapa also has the Merlin Diamond Project in Australia’s Northern Territory, where it is conducting feasibility studies, and is exploring for diamonds in Botswana and Western Australia.  

 Related stories will be right here … 

“On review, it is clear the company should streamline the portfolio to focus on our core assets in Africa and Australia,” said Lucapa Chairman Stuart Brown. 

“The company’s collaboration with the Lesotho government on the Mothae Diamond Mine has been rewarding and our management has worked exceptionally well to optimize the plant to recover large diamonds. We expect there will be significant interest from those within the diamond industry and on a wider scale.”

The Lucapa board said the divestment process is a priority and it plans to update the market in the coming weeks.

The company is finalizing a data room that contains information about Mothae for parties that are interested in purchasing its stake in the mine.

Lucapa’s announcement about its intentions for Mothae came the same week that one of the world’s largest mining companies, Anglo American, also announced plans to streamline its business by divesting.

Anglo is looking to sell off four of its businesses, including De Beers Group and Anglo American Platinum

The Latest

Graphic with headshots for My Next Question 2024 holiday season
Recorded WebinarsSep 27, 2024
Watch: Prepare to Shine This Holiday Season

Three members of JA's 2024 "20 Under 40" class join Amanda Gizzi and Lauren McLemore to share their tips for seasonal retail success.

Lalaounis Archaeological Revival Necklace
CollectionsSep 27, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lalaounis’ Necklace is an Archaeological Revival

The necklace, inspired by ancient artifacts, celebrates strength, endurance, and the natural world.

Woman wearing Rocksbox jewelry
MajorsSep 27, 2024
Signet-Owned E-Tailer Rocksbox to Launch on Amazon

Rocksbox is the first banner owned by Signet to sell its jewelry through the retail giant.

1872x1052-Brought-to-you-By-Article-Image-Top (1).png
Brought to you by
Why You Can't Miss JA New York This Fall

Don't miss this one-stop-shop in October, curated with buyers’ needs in mind.

Black and white image of Bulova clock
EditorsSep 26, 2024
This New Bulova Documentary Is Perfect for History Buffs Like Me

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” dives into the watchmaker’s storied past, from its ad campaigns to the first women’s wristwatch.

Weekly QuizSep 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Marco Bicego Masai Campaign
CollectionsSep 26, 2024
Marco Bicego Adds Stackable Designs to Masai Collection

The new additions include flat coil rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed to layer elegantly.

Kendra Scott lab grown diamond earrings
MajorsSep 26, 2024
Kendra Scott Eyes Network, Product Expansion Following New Investment

65 Equity Partners has made a “significant” minority investment in the company, though founder Kendra Scott retains a majority stake.

How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024 2.0 (1).jpg
Brought to you by
How to Increase Instagram Followers Naturally in 2024

Growing your Instagram following organically is more important than ever in today's technological environment.

Columbia Gem House Pebbles to Pines fundraiser
Policies & IssuesSep 26, 2024
Columbia Gem House Announces “Pebbles to Pines” Fundraiser

The miner will be raffling off jewelry, donating all proceeds to reforestation efforts for some regions of America’s national forests.

Greenlab lab-grown diamond factory in India
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamonds: A Threat or an Opportunity?

Many lab-grown manufacturers in India are rethinking the earlier antagonism between lab-grown and natural diamonds.

Gathering at Bharat Diamond Bourse for COVID vaccinations
Policies & IssuesSep 25, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures

For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.

Bow book and Bow jewelry
CollectionsSep 25, 2024
Katey Brunini’s New Book Explores a Decade of Design

The designer has also released a new “Bow” collection, named after the act of bowing down as a sign of respect.

Lagos studio collection
CollectionsSep 25, 2024
Lagos' New Collection Is a Tribute to Its Bangkok Studio

The "Lagos Studio" capsule collection offers elevated statement styles with eclectic designs.

Hand holding shopping bags
SurveysSep 25, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in September, Labor Market Worries Persist

Respondents also showed a greater preference for buying goods over services.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsSep 25, 2024
The Smart Lab: Increasing Your Click-to-Conversion Rate

Emmanuel Raheb says your website should be as elegant as your store, with high-quality images and a smooth and secure checkout process.

Sothebys 18th-century diamond necklace
AuctionsSep 24, 2024
Sotheby’s To Offer 18th-Century Diamond Necklace, a ‘Sublime Survivor’

The jewel, which was worn to two British coronations and may contain diamonds tied to Marie Antoinette, could sell for almost $3 million.

Roland Brinker
IndependentsSep 24, 2024
Roland Brinker, Founder of Brinker’s Jewelers, Dies at 84

He is remembered as a family man with a love for the game of golf.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsSep 24, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Adds Half-Day to 2025 Show

TJS has added presentations to its now three-day event schedule, which will take place next summer in Detroit.

Gemfields rough ruby emerald
SourcingSep 23, 2024
Gemfields’ September Auctions Bring Mixed Results

Its commercial-quality sapphire, corundum, and ruby sale yielded “healthy” results, while its emerald auction was weaker than expected.

Monique Lhuillier Bliss lab-grown colored diamond campaign image
Lab-GrownSep 23, 2024
Kay Jewelers, Monique Lhuillier Add Colored Lab-Grown Diamonds to ‘Bliss’

The expanded “Monique Lhuillier Bliss” collection features pink, blue, and yellow lab-grown diamonds.

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2024
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in January

Exhibitors can register now for the show, which is set for Jan. 9-13.

John Green, 2025 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement winner
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2024
Longtime New England Jeweler to Receive Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement

Lux Bond & Green President and CEO John Green is receiving the honor for his devotion and service to the jewelry industry.

Crime handcuffs
CrimeSep 20, 2024
Oregon Jeweler Sentenced to 20 Years for Stealing From, Defrauding Customers

The former owner of Timeless Jewelers in West Salem pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen counts of theft and aggravated theft.

Sally Morrison De Beers
SourcingSep 20, 2024
Sally Morrison Takes on Larger Role as De Beers Zeros In On Category Marketing

The company is poised to make a big push for natural diamonds this holiday season.

The Argyle Pink Quokka Statue and Necklace
CollectionsSep 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: A Quokka Covered in Argyle Pink Diamonds

Australian jeweler Linneys’ smiling gold Quokka statue holds a leaf pendant with Argyle pink diamonds that detaches, becoming a necklace.

Stuller Fine Jewelry 2025-2026 Catalog
MajorsSep 20, 2024
Stuller Releases New Fine Jewelry Catalog

The 2025-2026 edition of “Fine Jewelry” includes 1,000 new styles with an expanded selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsSep 19, 2024
Peter Smith: Is That All There Is? Have We Peaked?

Smith addresses fears about a plateaued market with a reminder that retailers who do it right always will have room to grow.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy