April 1, 2008

Firestone’s unaudited interim results


by Jo Black

The Board of Firestone Diamonds plc, the AIM-quoted diamond mining and exploration company, announces unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2007, and provides an update on the Company’s diamond mining and exploration projects in Botswana and South Africa.

HIGHLIGHTS

Tsabong, Botswana

* Independent data review concludes that Tsabong has ‘real chances of
discovering an economic large sized diamondiferous kimberlite’
* MK1 initial grade estimate of 20 carats per hundred tonnes; estimate of
1.1 billion tonnes of kimberlite to 1,000 metres
* Commissioning of bulk sampling plant completed in Q1 2008
* Additional core drilling completed and large diameter drilling commenced
on MK1 in Q1 2008; microdiamond and macrodiamond results expected in Q2 2008
* Evaluation of other 13 priority A kimberlites continuing

Orapa and Jwaneng, Botswana

* New prospecting licences covering 4,000 square kilometres granted in
Orapa and Jwaneng areas
* Large diameter drilling of BK11 completed in Q1 2008; results
expected in Q2 2008

South Africa

* Bonte Koe toll treatment mining JV with De Beers at full production

Financial

* Turnover increased 224% to £1.9m (H1 2007: £0.6m)
* Profit of £2.4m (H1 2007: £0.1m); diluted earnings per share 3.7p
(H1 2007: 0.04p)
* Profit of £2.8 million on disposal of interest in African Diamonds plc

Activities during the period were primarily focused on Botswana, which is the world’s largest and lowest cost producer of diamonds. Firestone is the largest holder of diamond exploration rights surrounding Botswana’s kimberlite fields, with approximately 26,000 square kilometres now under license, and has 92 known kimberlites in its licence areas.

The most significant development during the period has been at the MK1 kimberlite in the Tsabong kimberlite field, where results from initial evaluation work carried out have exceeded our expectations and show significant economic potential.

Story link: Firestone’s unaudited interim results




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