Firestone Diamonds uses diesel generators to resume production

Firestone Diamonds announced on Friday that an alternative power supply has been implemented at its Liqhobong Diamond Mine, which has facilitated the resumption of production in the absence of grid electricity supply.

The AIM-traded firm said it had successfully commissioned the rented diesel generators.

As a result, production resumed on 26 October, and the processing plant was currently operating at between 80% and 90% of its full capacity as the new power generation system was being optimised.

“The generators are expected to be used to generate power until grid power is restored from the Muela Hydropower Station, which, according to the Lesotho Electricity Company, is scheduled to take place on 1 December,” the Firestone Diamonds board said in its statement.

“Normal operating costs are expected to increase by the cost of renting the gensets and of the associated diesel consumption.”

As at 1125 GMT, shares in Firestone Diamonds were up 6.36% at 0.58p.