Newfield resumes mining at Sierra Leone diamond mine
ASX-listed Newfield Resources has resumed mining at its Tongo diamond mine, in Sierra Leone, following a fatality in May.
The company in May reported a fall-of-ground incident in an underground development heading at Tongo, with Newfield suspending all mining operations at the mine allowing for an investigation into the incident.
Mining operations had now restarted at Tongo, while the underground development heading, where the incident occurred, would remain closed pending the completion of the investigation by the relevant authorities. The restriction of activities in this specific area of the mine will not disrupt the other activities at the mine site.
Tongo Mine Development
The Tongo Mine Development combines kimberlite dyke hosted diamond resources on two adjacent mining licences that cover over 134 square kilometres and host 11 known kimberlites. It is subject to a Tribute Mining Agreement between the two mining licence holders, being Newfield’s subsidiary company, Sierra Diamonds Limited, and Octea Mining’s subsidiary company, Tonguma Limited.
A Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) Study on the Tongo Mine Development was commissioned by Newfield following its acquisition of Stellar Diamonds plc in early 2018. The FEED Study was completed by leading mining consultant, PPM, in April 2019 and delineates a technically robust and highly economic project.
Newfield’s plans for the Tongo Mine Development target the creation of a substantial diamond mining operation. With strong support from local communities and government agencies, Newfield expects to forge an effective partnership amongst all stakeholders.
