
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended by virtue of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
2 September 2025
Kazera Global plc
("Kazera", the "Group" or the "Company")
Operational Update: Deep Blue Minerals
First diamonds recovered following installation of new processing equipment
Kazera Global plc (AIM: KZG), the AIM-quoted investment company, is pleased to announce the first diamond recoveries following its investment in new diamond recovery technology at its subsidiary, Deep Blue Minerals ("DBM" or the "Project"), located in Alexander Bay, South Africa. This marks a significant step towards DBM becoming a self-sustaining, cash-generative operation.
Highlights of this achievement include:
· First diamond recoveries achieved using newly installed pulsating jig and Flowsort technology.
· Approximately 45 carats, comprising 89 stones, recovered from 100 tonnes of in-field screened material processed during the initial optimisation phase.
· Recovery rate approximately 3x higher than the Company's original recovery forecast
· With stone sizes averaging 0.5 carats, compared with the 0.4 carats typically recovered in the area, the Group expects to benefit from a premium generally commanded by larger stones. Consequently, the realised value per carat on sale is anticipated to be approximately $100 higher than the Group had previously expected.
· A substantial stockpile of diamond-bearing gravels, generated as a by-product of the Company's Whale Head Minerals ("WHM") heavy mineral sands ("HMS") investment, is now being processed.
· This stockpile is continually replenished through ongoing WHM operations and is expected to underpin regular future diamond sales.
Dennis Edmonds, CEO of Kazera Global plc, commented: "This is a landmark moment for both DBM and Kazera. Our investment in new technology has already delivered results that substantially exceed management expectations. With a significant and continually replenished stockpile ready for treatment, we now have a clear pathway towards regular diamond sales and revenue.
"We expect our diamond operation to now progress from being a 'nice to have' into a major revenue generator in its own right. The on-site team has worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone and I wish to thank them for their efforts. I am confident we are now well positioned to unlock the full potential of this exciting diamond asset."
Following a period of optimisation, the Company is pleased to report that DBM has successfully recovered its first diamonds using its new pulsating jig and Flowsort technology. DBM has also built up a substantial stockpile of diamond-bearing gravels on site, which is currently being processed. These gravels are a by-product of the Group's HMS operation.
While final sorting and valuation are still underway, early indications suggest that approximately 45 carats, comprising 89 stones, have been recovered from the first 100 tonnes of screened diamond gravels processed at the site. This initial recovery rate is approximately three times greater than the Company's original recovery forecast. In addition, the average size of the recovered diamonds exceeds those typically seen in the area, which is expected to result in a premium on sale. Consequently, the realised price per carat is anticipated to be approximately $100 higher than the Group previously expected.
Sales are conducted on a regular basis by Alexkor SOC Limited, the South African government-owned entity which holds the rights to all diamonds in the area. The next sales date has yet to be confirmed. The Board expects that ongoing treatment of the diamond gravel stockpile will yield a steady stream of additional stones, providing the Group with a regular revenue stream from diamond sales going forward.
The DBM operations are located within the 80km-long Alexkor diamond fields in the prolific diamond-producing Alexander Bay region of South Africa, situated between two historic De Beers mining sites. The Company intends to continue optimising operational efficiencies and to build a sustainable, long-term production capacity at the site.
ENDS
For further information, visit www.kazeraglobal.com or contact:
Kazera Global plc Dennis Edmonds, CEO | |
Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated, Financial Adviser and Broker) Christopher Raggett / Ritchie Balmer | Tel: +44 (0)207 409 3494 |
St Brides Partners Limited (Financial PR) Paul Dulieu/Isabel de Salis |
About Kazera Global plc
Kazera is a global investment company focused on leveraging the skills and expertise of its Board of Directors to develop early-stage mineral exploration and development assets towards meaningful cashflow and production. Its three principal investments are as follows:
Alluvial diamond mining through Deep Blue Minerals (Pty) Ltd, Alexander Bay, South Africa
Kazera currently has a 100% direct interest in Deep Blue Minerals, of which 74% is held beneficially by Kazera and 26% is held on behalf of Black Economic Empowerment partners.
Heavy Mineral Sands mining (including ilmenite, monazite, rutile, and zircon) through Whale Head Minerals (Pty) Ltd, Alexander Bay, South Africa.
Kazera currently has a 70% direct beneficial interest in Whale Head Minerals together with the benefit of a loan facility entitling it to receive approximately £38m out of dividends from the other shareholders.
Tantalite mining in South-East Namibia (divestment in progress)
As announced on 20 December 2022, Kazera agreed to dispose of African Tantalum (Pty) Ltd ("Aftan") for a cash consideration of US$13 million plus a debenture payment of 2.5% of the gross sales of produced lithium and tantalum for life-of-mine. Completion of the sale was subject to receipt of full consideration proceeds. Aftan was deconsolidated from the Company's financial statements with effect from 4 January 2023 because, in accordance with the terms of the sale agreement, it had relinquished control of Aftan in favour of the purchaser, Hebei Xinjian Construction Close Corp ("Hebei Xinjian") with effect from that date. Kazera retained the right to cancel the transaction and retain all amounts paid to date in the event of default by Hebei Xinjian. Following default by Hebei Xinjian, Kazera initiated legal proceedings in September 2024, which have now concluded in Kazera's favour with an arbitration award exceeding US$11.9 million, including interest, plus coverage of legal costs. Kazera is now assessing the most effective legal and commercially beneficial avenues to enforce the award and recover the full amount due.
The Company will consider additional investment opportunities as appropriate, having regard to the Group's future cash flow requirements.
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