Sourcing

Fura Gems to Start Mining Sapphires in Australia

SourcingJul 02, 2019

Fura Gems to Start Mining Sapphires in Australia

The acquisition of Richland Resources’ Capricorn project in Queensland rounds out the “big three” gemstones for the miner.

20190702_Richland-sapphire.jpg
Fura Gems has entered into an option agreement with Richland Resources to acquire its Capricorn sapphire mine in Queensland, Australia. Pictured here is a yellow sapphire from the area. (Photo credit: Richland Resources)

Toronto—Fura Gems is rounding out the “big three” gemstones in its portfolio with the announcement of a sapphire mine acquisition deal.

The company announced Thursday it has entered into an option agreement with Richland Resources Ltd. to acquire its wholly owned subsidiary, Richland Corporate Ltd.

The subsidiary owns 100 percent of Capricorn Sapphire Pty Ltd., which in turn holds all licenses that comprise the Capricorn Sapphire project in Queensland, Australia. Capricorn comprises two mining permits (EPM 25973 and EPM 25978) and three mining licenses (ML 70419, ML 70447 and ML 70451).

Capricorn is already a producing mine, but Fura Gems CEO Dev Shetty said the company plans to more clearly delineate the deposit during the second half of this year, followed by a scale-up of operations in 2020.

Fura Gems already holds mining assets in Colombia, with the Coscuez emerald mine, and Mozambique, with its Montepuez ruby mining project.

The total purchase price of Capricorn for the miner includes various requirements, including CAD $150,000 (about $114,000) in cash paid to Richland as an option fee, CAD $25,000 (about $19,000) paid upon deal signing and the remaining CAD $125,000 (about $95,000) payable within seven days thereafter.

Fura also has to pay $185,000 in cash (almost $141,000) to Richland on closing.

The deal is subject to the approval of the Toronto TSX Venture Exchange.

Richland said in a statement that it has been engaged in talks for some time to either secure funds to restart production at Capricorn, halted in December 2017, or to conclude talks to sell the mine.

Successful completion of the deal will see the company become an AIM Rule 15 cash shell, referring to businesses with money on their balance sheet but no trading operations listed on the stock exchange.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on Pinterest

Pinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.

Cartier LAX Storefront
MajorsFeb 19, 2025
Cartier Opens New Store Inside LAX

The boutique is the French luxury brand’s first airport store on the West Coast.

Swarovski NYC flagship Ariana Grande collab
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande Collab

The store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.

Header Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring Show

This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We Know

Beginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.

Weekly QuizFeb 13, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
 Fabergé Animals
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’s

Around 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.

Tabayer Men’s Oera Collection Selections
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry Selections

Designs from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Navneet montana sapphire
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.

Theresa Caputo &LIVY jewelry
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ Star

The “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.

Lorraine West Diamond Open Heart Ring
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ Ring

Show some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Spectrum and Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice awards
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting Edge

AGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Azra Mehdi pink sapphire ombré heart dog tag necklace in 14-karat rose gold
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s Day

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of Trees

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.

Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

myGemma showroom
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment Service

The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.

 Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's Day

The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond District

One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ Watch

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

×

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