Gem Resources PLC (LSE:GEMR) told investors it has resumed mining operations at the Cobra open pit, part of the Gravelotte emerald mine in South Africa, and, early results have surpassed historical benchmarks.
The company said it has removed overburden to access the ore-bearing zone, to enable direct extraction of high-quality, high-grade emerald material.
Subsequently, the processing plant achieved grades of up to 60 carats per tonne, and, ongoing upgrades are improving efficiency and throughput.
A phased ramp-up is underway to ensure a steady supply of high-grade ore and optimized processing, Gem added. As it continues, the company will stay focused on controlled production growth.
"We are extremely pleased with the initial results and ongoing progress at Gravelotte since initiating our own hard rock mining operations in the Cobra open pit,” chair Ed Nealon said in a statement.
“The initial ore recovered is consistent with our expectations of the quality and output potential of the deposit, at the same time the efficiency of our upgraded processing plant has been a key driver in optimizing production.”
“We look forward to further scaling our operations and remain on track for our first sale in the first half of the year."