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STEL>>> Stellar Diamonds!-Stellar Performance in the offing! (STEL)     

skyhigh - 25 Feb 2014 10:26

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=STEL&SChart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=STEL&S

West Africa-focused Stellar Diamonds' (LON:STEL) shares rose after it confirmed further high diamond grades had been returned from the bulk sampling programme under way at its 1.1 million carat Tongo dyke kimberlite project in Sierra Leone.

Highlights included:

- Initial sample processing yielded 151 carats from 141t of kimberlite for a grade of 107cpht with further results expected approximately every four weeks

- Anticipated that diamond grade will increase as further diamonds are recovered following re-processing

- Outstanding quality of diamonds classified as 86% gem quality with several stones greater than 1 carat in size

- Bulk sampling on-going with 772 tonnes collected to date as part of the Dyke-1 mining DFS

- Objective to recover a minimum 1,000 carat parcel for diamond grade and value confirmation

- Previous results established a grade of 120cpht at US$248 per carat from a 1,050 carat parcel

- Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS") expected to be completed in 2014, culminating in a production decision at Tongo Dyke-1

I'm in ..worth a punt... let's see what happens!

banjomick - 24 Nov 2015 07:58 - 65 of 144

24 November 2015
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc ("Stellar" or the "Company")

Final Results and Notice of AGM


Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces its final results for the period ended 30 June 2015.


Operational Highlights:

Baoulé Project, Guinea (75% owned):

· Trial mining yielded 6,400 carats at a +1.25mm run of mine grade of 13.5cpht

· Diamonds sale revenues of over US$700,000 (US$900,000 including other project inventory)

· High quality diamonds with values of up to US$6,800 per carat realised

· Target resource of 3.3 million carats based on historical drilling and current trial mining



Tongo Dyke-1 Project, Sierra Leone (100% owned):

· Preliminary Economic Assessment issued highlighting robust project economics

· NPV (10) of US$53 million and IRR of 31%

· Early cash flow expected to be generated and low capital requirement of US$24.2 million for surface and underground mining

· 18 year life of mine plan yielding target 1 million carats and US$386 million revenues

· Mining licence application and environmental impact assessment study to be submitted in near future



Financial Highlights:

· US$2.2 million raised during the year to complete the Tongo PEA and bring Baoulé into Trial Mining production

· Further US$2.4 million raised in November 2015 to progress the Tongo mine licence process and the Baoulé Trial Mining exercise

· Group administrative costs reduced to US$1.4 million from US$2.8 million with significant reductions made in both corporate and project level administration costs


Stellar Diamonds Chief Executive Officer Karl Smithson commented:

"Having delivered a very robust mine plan and financial model for Tongo the Board has decided to advance the project to the mining licence application stage. The independent PEA outlines an 18 year life of mine at a modest capital requirement of US$24.8 million which is expected to deliver robust revenues at a high margin. The calculated NPV at US$53 million is multiples of our current market capitalisation.

"At Baoulé we commenced trial mining of the 5 hectare kimberlite pipe. Processing via our 100tph DMS plant has so far yielded over 6,400 carats with maiden revenues of US$700,000 with the most recent diamonds sale in May achieving an average value of US$156 per carat. A number of diamonds have achieved high prices with a 10 carat fancy yellow stone fetching US$6,800 per carat which indicates the high value potential of the diamonds contained in the Baoulé pipe.

"We look forward with excitement to the year ahead which we believe will be transformational for Stellar. Securing the mining licence and necessary funding to get Tongo into mine development and production, and continued positive results from trial mine evaluation of Baoulé should hopefully deliver the returns that shareholders deserve."

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5159414

banjomick - 27 Nov 2015 07:52 - 66 of 144

27 November 2015
AIM: STEL

Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" of the "Company")


SUBMISSION OF TONGO MINING LICENCE APPLICATION AND

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT


Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, is pleased to announce that it has formally submitted to the National Minerals Agency (NMA) of Sierra Leone its application for a large scale mining licence for the Tongo project. This application will be processed by the NMA and then forwarded to the Minerals Advisory Board (MAB) for consideration. The MAB, after its consideration, will then make its recommendation to the Minister of Mines for approval of the mining licence.

The final Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) report has been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for consideration. In order to complete the process with the EPA, public disclosure meetings will be held in the New Year both in the project area and in Freetown, after which the ESIHA can be approved by the EPA and the required environmental licence issued.

Chief Executive Karl Smithson commented:

"The submission of the Tongo mining licence application and ESHIA marks a key milestone in the development of the project as we make the transition from exploration to mining. Notably, as far as I am aware, this is the first large scale mining licence of any kind to be applied for since the onset of the Ebola crisis. As such this therefore also marks an important milestone for the country of Sierra Leone which needs to attract new private sector investment to contribute to its post-Ebola economic recovery. I look forward to providing further updates as these applications are processed."

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5162172

banjomick - 03 Dec 2015 11:21 - 67 of 144

3 December 2015
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" of the "Company")

Director's dealing

Issue of equity


The Company announces that application has today been made for 1,969,189 new ordinary shares of 1p each in the Company ("New Ordinary Shares") to be admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange plc.

Further to the announcement by the Company on 2 November 2015 (the "Announcement"), the Company has accrued net fees to certain Non-Executive Directors of approximately £65,607 in aggregate for the period up to December 2015 in order to conserve cash. Additionally, the Company has accrued a further £23,850 in respect of net fees owed to the Chief Executive Officer and £39,525 in respect of certain senior management for the same period. Due to being in a close period at the time of the Announcement, it was not possible to issue shares to the Directors and senior management in lieu of these fees concurrent with the subscription to raise approximately £0.5million at 6.55 pence per share which was announced at that time ("Subscription") ("Subscription Price").

The Company is no longer in a close period following the publication of its annual results on 24 November 215 and announcement of the submission of its mining licence on 27 November 2015. Accordingly, notwithstanding the statement in the Circular dated 2 November 2015 and in the Announcement, as a result of the Directors and Senior Management's outstanding payroll liabilities being settled in cash, they have agreed for the net amount received to be reinvested into new shares in the Company at the Subscription Price through the issue of the New Ordinary Shares.

1,365,753 New Ordinary Shares have been allotted to certain Directors as follows:

****SEE LINK AT BOP FOR FULL DETAILS****


The New Ordinary Shares will be subject to a lock-in period of 6 months from the date of admission (subject to certain limited exceptions), which can only be waived with the consent of Cairn Financial Advisers LLP.

The issue of the New Ordinary Shares is conditional on Admission. The New Ordinary Shares will rank pari passu with the existing ordinary shares and dealings are expected to commence in the New Ordinary Shares on or around 10 December 2015.

Related party transaction

The issue of the New Ordinary Shares to the Directors and certain senior management constitutes a related party transaction as defined by AIM Rules for Companies. The independent director, being Hansjörg Plaggemars, having consulted with the Company's nominated adviser Cairn Financial Advisers LLP, considers that the terms of the terms of the transaction are fair and reasonable insofar as the Company's Shareholders are concerned.

Total voting rights

Following the issue of the New Ordinary Shares, the Company's total voting share capital in issue will be 25,802,476 ordinary shares of 1p each.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5167259

banjomick - 18 Dec 2015 12:05 - 68 of 144

18 December 2015
AIM: STEL

Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Result of Annual General Meeting

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, is pleased to announce that all the resolutions put to shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting held today were duly passed.


About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond development company which has commenced trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea, and is progressing the 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 resource in Sierra Leone through a definitive feasibility study. In addition, Stellar holds the 3 million carat Droujba project in Guinea and continues to pursue diplomatic channels to ensure the proper reinstatement of its Kono licences in Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5178079

banjomick - 04 Jan 2016 08:02 - 69 of 144

4 January 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" of the "Company")

Director's dealing

The Company was informed on 31 December 2015 that Karl Smithson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, on the 30 December 2015 purchased approximately £10,000 of ordinary shares in the Company as follows:

SEE LINK AT BOP


Following the purchase, Karl Smithson is beneficially interested in 626,073 ordinary shares (including those held by his wife), representing 2.43% of the issued share capital of the Company. The issued share capital of the Company comprises 25,802,474 ordinary shares of 1p each.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5185891

banjomick - 06 Jan 2016 09:57 - 70 of 144

6 January 2016
AIM: STEL

Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" of the "Company")

Director's dealing


The Company was informed on 05 January 2016 that Karl Smithson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, on the same day transferred ordinary shares from a nominee account in his personal name into a personal SIPP as follows:

SEE LINK AT BOP

There is a small change to Mr Smithson's total beneficial as a result of the transfer. Following the transfer, he is beneficially interested in 625,019 ordinary shares (including those held by his wife), representing 2.42% of the issued share capital of the Company. The issued share capital of the Company comprises 25,802,474 ordinary shares of 1p each.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5187850

banjomick - 25 Jan 2016 08:02 - 71 of 144

25 January 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

55 carat diamond recovered from Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, provides an operational update from trial mining at its 75% owned, five hectare Baoulé kimberlite pipe ("Baoulé" or "the Project") in Guinea.

Highlights:

· 55 carat diamond recovered confirming presence of large stones in the pipe

· Continued recovery of high quality gems of up to 12 carats

· Trial mining has yielded a total of 8,043 carats to date at an average grade of 12.7 cpht

· Revenue from Baoulé diamond sales to date of US$700,644 from 5,173 carats

· Objective to mine and process 100,000 tonnes of kimberlite now 63% complete

· Target resource of 3 million carats at Baoulé based on previous drilling and diamond results to date; to be confirmed on completion of trial mining

Stellar Chief Executive, Karl Smithson, is currently undertaking a site visit at Baoulé with fellow director Hansjörg Plaggemars, the board representative of Deutsche Balaton AG, a substantial investor in the Company. From the Project site he commented:


"We are extremely encouraged to have recovered this 55 carat stone as it confirms that the Baoulé pipe is a possible source of the large diamonds which have been mined in alluvial deposits downstream of the Baoulé pipe for many years, several of which have been +100 carats in size. We will carefully examine the stone which appears to have a 'boart' exterior and a potentially better quality diamond on the interior. Gem quality diamonds continue to be recovered from the Baoulé kimberlite up to 12 carats in size.

"With approximately 63% of our trial mining and processing at Baoulé now complete, subject to the Company having sufficient working capital, we are currently on track to finalise the trial mining and processing of 100,000 tonnes in Q3 and look forward to providing further updates in due course."


Trial Mining Production and Processing

Trial mining of the Baoulé kimberlite pipe resumed in late November 2015 after the rainy season, with stripping and mining of the western lobe. Extraction of the kimberlite commenced in December 2015 and processing of the material continues on a double shift basis (16 hours per day). The kimberlite material remains predominantly weathered, with increasing amounts of friable harder primary kimberlite at depth.

The overall objective of the trial mining exercise is to extract and process up to 100,000 tonnes of kimberlite in order to determine with confidence the diamond grade and ultimate value of the pipe. The Company remains on track to achieve this objective, having processed over 63,000 dry tonnes of kimberlite thus far.

Diamond Results


A total of 8,043 carats have been recovered to date from Baoulé at a +1.25mm cut off, giving an average grade of 12.7cpht. This grade is slightly lower than previously reported average grade of 13.5cpht due to an average lower grade for the west lobe (11cpht) as compared to the east lobe (13cpht). This seems to be a consequence of fewer smaller stones in the -7 sieve fraction and thus should not impact negatively on the gross diamond value.

Recently a 55.64 carat diamond was recovered, which is the largest stone discovered to date at Baoulé. This is an unusual stone since it has a low quality (boart) coating but what seems to be a better quality diamond within the interior. The quality and potential value of the stone is currently highly uncertain and the stone will be carefully analysed to accurately determine its value before deciding on the sales process.

A total of 610 stones greater than 1 carat have been yielded including numerous gem diamonds of up to 12 carats in size. The presence of the 55 carat stone confirms the Company's belief that the Baoulé pipe is a source of large diamonds and supports the investment thesis of a potentially lower grade but high value kimberlite orebody.

The table below sets out the diamond results to date from Baoulé:

SEE LINK AT BOP

Ebola Update

Guinea was officially declared Ebola free in early January 2016. However, it is possible that isolated cases of infection may occur, as has happened in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Liberia. These cases have been quickly identified and isolated. Nevertheless, the Company remains vigilant and continues to take the necessary precautions to protect its people and assets.

Competent person

This announcement has been reviewed by Karl Smithson, Chief Executive of Stellar, a qualified geologist and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Metals, Mining, with 27 years' experience.

Caution regarding forward looking statements

Certain statements in this announcement, are, or may be deemed to be, forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as ''believe'', ''could'', "should" ''envisage'', ''estimate'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''plan'', ''potentially'', ''will'' or the negative of those, variations or comparable expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on the Directors' current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Such forward looking statements reflect the Directors' current beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to the Directors.

A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements including risks associated with vulnerability to general economic and business conditions, competition, environmental and other regulatory changes, actions by governmental authorities, the availability of capital markets, reliance on key personnel, uninsured and underinsured losses and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Although any forward looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon what the Directors believe to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with such forward looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant AIM Rule requirements, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond development company which continues trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea, and is progressing the 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 resource in Sierra Leone through the mining licence application process. In addition, Stellar holds the 3 million carat Droujba project in Guinea and continues to pursue diplomatic channels to ensure the proper reinstatement of its Kono licences in Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5198885

banjomick - 28 Jan 2016 08:01 - 72 of 144

28 January 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Update on Tongo Mining Licence Application, Sierra Leone

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, provides an update on its mining licence application for its 100% owned Tongo Dyke-1 project ("Tongo" or "the Project") in Sierra Leone.

Highlights:

· Mining Licence Application processed by the National Minerals Agency

· Public disclosure meetings held in relation to the Environmental Licence Application

· Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment submitted

· Minerals Advisory Board due to review and consider application

Chief Executive Karl Smithson commented:

"Good progress continues to be made towards the approval of the mining licence for our 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 project in Sierra Leone. Whilst we await the formal granting of this we are considering appropriate funding structures for the future commercial development of the mine to take advantage of the robust economics demonstrated in last year's Preliminary Economic Assessment, which supports the development of an open pit and subsequent underground mine. This phased development model will not only create significant local employment opportunities but also support early cash flow generation and a long-term sustainable operation. I look forward to updating shareholders in due course on progress relating both to our licence application and mine development."

Further Information


During January 2016 two public disclosure meetings were held, one in the project district headquarters of Panguma and the other in Freetown. Both meetings were well attended by a cross section of stakeholders and Company representatives including Stellar's CEO Karl Smithson. These public disclosure meetings form part of the process of the environmental licence application and provide all stakeholders with the opportunity to understand the potential impacts of the future mining operations and associated risk mitigation.

Whilst the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") now considers the final Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment ("ESHIA") report, representatives of the Company will engage with local stakeholder groups to finalise surface rental and community development agreements. The final part of the ESHIA approval process will then be the discussion and agreement with the EPA of the fees related to the granting of the environmental licence.

The mining licence application is currently awaiting consideration by the Minerals Advisory Board ("MAB") and it is hoped that this will be tabled by the MAB at the next available opportunity, though the timing of this is outside of Stellar's control. As previously reported, the MAB, after due consideration, then makes its recommendation to the Minister of Mine for the approval of the mining licence.

Competent person

This announcement has been reviewed by Karl Smithson, Chief Executive of Stellar, a qualified geologist and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Metals, Mining, with 27 years' experience.

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond development company which continues trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea, and is progressing the 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 resource in Sierra Leone through the mining licence application process. In addition, Stellar holds the 3 million carat Droujba project in Guinea and continues to pursue channels to ensure the proper reinstatement of its Kono licences in Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5201572

banjomick - 16 Feb 2016 08:35 - 73 of 144

16 February 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Baoulé Diamond Export and Upcoming Sale


Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces that it has exported a diamond parcel of 3,341 carats from trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite project in the Aredor area of Guinea to Antwerp. These goods will be cleaned and assorted prior to a planned auction which is expected to take place in March.

This third diamond sale will form part of the on-going trial mining evaluation of the Baoulé pipe in order to determine the diamond grade and value of the deposit. Stellar's objective is to mine and process 100,000 tonnes of kimberlite, which is now over 70% complete and is yielding results in line with expectations. Based on the current grade realised and previous drilling results the Company is still targeting a resource in the region of 3 million carats at Baoulé.

To date some 8,830 carats have been recovered from the trial mining. Two diamond sales, totaling 5,173 carats and generating revenues of over US$700,000, have been completed in 2015.

Further information on the planned diamond auction will be given once the final schedule has been confirmed.

Competent person

This announcement has been reviewed by Karl Smithson, Chief Executive of Stellar, a qualified geologist and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Metals, Mining, with 27 years' experience.

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond development company which has commenced trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea, and is progressing the 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 resource in Sierra Leone through the mining licence application process. In addition, Stellar holds the 3 million carat Droujba project in Guinea and continues to pursue diplomatic channels to ensure the proper reinstatement of its Kono licences in Sierra Leone.

** ENDS **


http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5213947

banjomick - 17 Feb 2016 07:55 - 74 of 144

17 February 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Approval of Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment for Tongo Mine Licence


Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces that it has received a letter of approval for its Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment ("ESHIA") from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to the mining licence application for its 100% owned Tongo Dyke-1 project ("Tongo" or "the Project") in Sierra Leone.

Chief Executive Karl Smithson commented:

"The approval of our ESHIA marks another key step in the process of obtaining the mining and environmental licences that will allow for the development of the 1.45 million carat diamond resource at Tongo Dyke-1, one of four kimberlite dykes at our Tongo project. We will now schedule a meeting with the EPA to discuss and agree on the fee relating to the issuing of the environmental licence.

"We have also recently successfully concluded the surface rental agreement with the landowners and other key stakeholders and this will now be incorporated in to a legally binding agreement.

"I look forward to updating shareholders in due course on progress relating to the mining licence application which awaits consideration by the Minerals Advisory Board as we continue to progress the development of this high-grade, high-value diamond resource."

Competent person

This announcement has been reviewed by Karl Smithson, Chief Executive of Stellar, a qualified geologist and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Metals, Mining, with 27 years' experience.

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond development company which continues trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea, and is progressing the 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 resource in Sierra Leone through the mining licence application process. In addition, Stellar holds the 3 million carat Droujba project in Guinea and continues to pursue channels to ensure the proper reinstatement of its Kono licences in Sierra Leone.

** ENDS **

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5214715

banjomick - 22 Feb 2016 08:49 - 75 of 144

22 February 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Appointment of Joint Broker

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces that it has appointed Beaufort Securities Limited as the Company's joint broker with immediate effect.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5217167

banjomick - 25 Feb 2016 08:02 - 76 of 144

25 February 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Baoulé Diamond Sale Set For March


Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces that its next diamond sale from trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite project in the Aredor area of Guinea will take place in Antwerp via the DDA Trading platform during March 2016.

A total of 3,341 carats were exported in February 2016 which after cleaning has resulted in a loss of weight to 3,295 carats to be sold by auction.

The goods will be available to view in the offices of DDA Trading in Antwerp from 25th February 2016 with the auction expected to close on 8th March 2016. Interested and compliant qualified groups can arrange to view the goods by appointment only and by registering with DDA.

This diamond sale forms part of the Company's trial mining evaluation process of the 5 hectare Baoulé kimberlite where some 100,000 tonnes is being mined and processed in order to determine with confidence the grade and diamond value of the pipe. Over 9,000 carats have been yielded to date and some 5,173 carats were sold in 2015 realising over US$700,000 in revenues.


About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond development company which has commenced trial mining of its Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea, and is progressing the 1.45 million carat Tongo Dyke-1 resource in Sierra Leone through the mining licence application process. In addition, Stellar holds the 3 million carat Droujba project in Guinea and continues to pursue channels to ensure the proper reinstatement of its Kono licences in Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5219834

banjomick - 15 Mar 2016 09:19 - 77 of 144

15 March 2016
AIM: STEL

Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Issue of Equity, Diamond Sale and Directorate Change

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5236905


banjomick - 15 Mar 2016 09:41 - 78 of 144

Stellar raises £600 000, auctions $300 000 in diamonds
15th March 2016
By: Natasha Odendaal Creamer Media Deputy Editor Online

Aim-listed Stellar Diamonds has conditionally raised some £600 000 to support various development initiatives at its Sierra Leone and Guinea operations and for general working capital.

The West Africa-focused diamond development company placed 4.4-million new ordinary shares at 10p apiece, while Stellar’s largest shareholder Deutsche Balaton agreed to subscribe for 1.6-million subscription shares at 10p each.

Deutsche Balaton would now hold an aggregate 8.5-million shares, growing its stake to 26.77% following the conclusion of the transaction.

The proceeds would be used to support the company’s Tongo mine licence application process in Sierra Leone, as well as complete the trial mining and diamond sales exercise and a maiden resource statement, targeting three-million carats, at the Guinea-based Baoulé project.

Stellar also announced the generation of nearly $300 000 from the sale of 3 291 ct in diamonds from the Baoulé project through an auction in Antwerp.

The average price achieved was $91.05/ct, a decline on the $156/ct achieved in the May 2015 sale, owing to a “different mix of goods” with a higher proportion of lower-quality stones, as well as a broadly weaker rough diamond market since mid-2015.

Despite this, at the recent auction, certain gemstones, mostly white gems and fancy coloured yellow gems, fetched prices between $1 000/ct and $4 600/ct.

Meanwhile, in line with Stellar’s ongoing corporate cost-cutting initiative and the rationalisation of the board, Liviu Meran and Dr Markus Elsässer have stepped down as nonexecutive directors, effective March 15.

mining-weekly.jpg

banjomick - 29 Mar 2016 09:39 - 79 of 144

29 March 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
(“Stellar” or the “Company”)

Interim Results for the six months to 31 December 2015

Stellar Diamonds plc, the AIM listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months to 31 December 2015.

Operational and Financial Highlights during the period:

•Cash, diamonds held for sale and other inventories of US$0.7m at period end
•US$2.4m of funding brought in through the issue of a Convertible Loan and placing of shares, predominately through new strategic funding partner Deutsche Balaton
•Repayment of Yorkville loan in full
•Administrative costs further reduced to US$0.65m from US$0.91m in the 6 months to December 2014 (29% reduction) and US$1.44m for the 12 months to June 2015 (10% reduction for 6 month equivalent)
•Mining licence application submitted for Tongo Kimberlite Dyke-1 Project in November 2015 and making good progress
•Continued progress of the trial mining process at the Baoulé Kimberlite Pipe Project

Post period-end Highlights

•Baoulé Kimberlite Pipe Project, Guinea (“Baoulé”):


•Diamond sale in March 2016 realising approximately US$0.3 million taking total revenues to date from diamond sales to approximately US$1 million
•Gem diamonds of high quality achieving prices of up to US$6,800 per carat
•Trial mining continues and has yielded over 9,300 carats to date
•Largest stone of 55 carats, though of low quality, indicates large stone potential of pipe
•100,000 tonne bulk sample now 73% completed

•Tongo Kimberlite Dyke-1 Project, Sierra Leone (“Tongo”):

•Good progress made on Mining Licence application
•Environmental Impact Assessment approved
•Estimated project NPV of US$53m and IRR of 31%, however; the weakening of South African Rand and lowering of diesel price has significantly enhanced current project economics

•Financial Highlights

•Equity raising of £0.6m before expenses (conditional on Admission)

Stellar Diamonds Chief Executive Karl Smithson commented, “During the six months reporting period Stellar has continued to achieve good progress at the advanced Tongo and Baoulé projects.

“At Tongo the application for the mining licence over the 1.45 million carat Dyke-1 resource was submitted in November 2015, after we had compiled all necessary technical and financial information in support of the application. The first stages of the approval process have been completed and we now await the recommendation of the Minerals Advisory Board (MAB) to the Minister of Mines. We have also prepared and submitted our environmental impact assessment study to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and this was recently approved in February of this year. We will now engage with the EPA to determine an appropriate licence fee in order to receive our environmental licence which will enable the mining licence to be granted, subject to the MAB and Ministerial approval.

“Trial mining has continued at the 5 hectare Baoulé pipe where we are now 73% of the way through our stated 100,000 tonne bulk sample. The diamond grade remains at the expected 13cpht at a +1.25mm cut off and diamonds of up to 55 carats in size have been yielded, which confirms that the pipe is a source of large diamonds. We sold two diamond parcels in the first half of 2015, realising over US$700,000 in revenues, and a third sale was recently completed post reporting period which generated a further US$300,000 in revenues, bringing total revenues to US$1 million. From the sales conducted we have realised high values for single stones of up to US$6,800 per carat, which demonstrates the high quality of some of the diamonds in the deposit. At the end of the trial mining period we intend to establish a maiden diamond resource for the pipe with a target of 3 million carats based on current diamond grade and modelled tonnages.”

Chairman’s Statement

During difficult resource market conditions, Stellar’s focus has rightly remained on the key projects of Tongo and Baoulé which offer the most direct routes to enabling Stellar to become a significant diamond producing company. This has been achieved under very challenging circumstances on the ground during the Ebola outbreak which, I am pleased to report, is totally eradicated from Sierra Leone and with only a few recent sporadic cases in remote areas of Guinea that signify the end of the outbreak there. As Chairman, I am proud of what our Company achieved in its commitment to educate and protect its staff and nearby local communities during this period, often at great personal risk.

Tongo Project, Sierra Leone

Last calendar year we managed to complete all the necessary resource, mine plan and financial modelling requirements for the 1.45 million carat resource at Dyke-1 in the form of an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). Armed with this information we were then able to submit the mining licence application which is being given due consideration by the Government authorities. This, to my knowledge, will be the first mining licence application in Sierra Leone since the onset of the Ebola crisis.

The resource at Tongo is high grade (120cpht) and of high diamond value (US$270/ct) which offers an attractive in-situ value of over US$300 per tonne of rock. This is what drives the attractive margin and returns, as evidenced in our PEA where an NPV of US$53 million and IRR of 31% (at a 10% discount rate) were calculated in H1 2015. However, if we adjust the model for today’s South African Rand to US Dollar exchange rate, and the current diesel price in Sierra Leone, the project returns jump to an NPV of US$68.9 million and IRR of 41%.

As I have previously written, there is further resource potential at Tongo from three as yet undrilled, high-grade kimberlites next to Dyke-1. Subject to available finance we will aim to drill Dyke-4 and bring it into resource with a target of 500,000 carats that can contribute to the 1.45 million carat resource at Dyke-1 as we commence production.

We are now turning our attention to potential and appropriate sources of funding for the Tongo mine. A total capital requirement (including working capital for the project) is calculated to be around US$25 million which will enable both the surface and underground mining operation to be brought on stream. We will provide further details on this in due course.

Baoulé Project, Guinea

We resumed trial mining late in the report period after a prolonged rainy season. Our objective remains to mine and process 100,000 tonnes from the 5 hectare pipe, with an approximate equal amount being from the east and west lobes so as to be able to compare results.

We are currently 73% of the way though this sample, having mined 46,500 tonnes from the east lobe and 26,000 tonnes from the west lobe. Processing of this material has yielded over 9,300 carats at an average run of mine (diluted) grade of 12.7 carats per hundred tonnes at a +1.25mm cut off. The largest stone recovered so far is a low quality 55 carat diamond but this does demonstrate the pipe has large diamonds. Notable gem stones up to 13 carats in size have been yielded with some achieving high rough selling prices of up to US$6,800 per carat (for a 10 carat fancy yellow stone).

Three diamond sales have been concluded in Antwerp which have realised US$1 million in revenues. The average prices received for each sale have been highly variable due to the different mix of product and also the volatility in the rough diamond market experienced over the past 12 months.

Based on current production levels of approximately 1,000 carats per month, the trial mining exercise is mostly a cash neutral exercise which is an efficient way to conduct what is essentially an evaluation and resource building exercise. We expect the trial mining component of the process to be completed before the next rainy season (circa. July) and thereafter we will establish maiden resource statement for the Baoulé pipe. In-house modelling of previous drilling over the pipe suggests a target of over 22 million tonnes to a depth of 300m. At an average target grade of 12.7cpht, this would suggest a diamond resource in the region of 3 million carats.

Corporate


In November we were delighted to welcome Deutsche Balaton, a German based investment company, as a significant shareholder and funding partner. Deutsche Balaton invested approximately US$2.4m into Stellar through a convertible loan and a direct equity investment, and at the same time we undertook a capital reorganisation through a 1 for 50 consolidation of our ordinary shares. We hope to work closely with Deutsche Balaton over the coming months as we fund and develop the Tongo mine into production.

We were also pleased to welcome Hansjörg Plaggemars onto the Board of Stellar as the appointed representative of Deutsche Balaton. However, as part of our efforts to rationalise our corporate costs we have streamlined the Board and Dr. Markus Elsasser and Liviu Meran, both representatives of significant shareholders, stepped down from their non-executive director positions. I would like to thank them both on behalf of the Board for their contribution to Stellar and we will continue to work closely with them as key shareholders as we move forward on our strategy of becoming a diamond producing company. Also in November we undertook a capital reorganization through a 1 for 50 consolidation of our ordinary shares.

As in previous periods we have continued to look for ways of reducing our corporate and general administrative cost overheads and I am pleased to report that this has again resulted in a significant reduction of these costs.

Diamond Market

The rough diamond market in 2015 saw average price declines of 15%. However, it is noted that prices have recovered strongly in the first two months of 2016 with both De Beers and Alrosa managing supply to the market to meet the actual demand. There is likely to be some ongoing uncertainty in pricing in the shorter term after manufacturers have restocked so prices for 2016 are likely to remain vulnerable if there is excess supply to the market. The longer term fundamentals for diamonds nevertheless remain robust and one of the most compelling of any commodity.

Outlook

Looking ahead our objective for 2016 is for Stellar to evolve from an explorer to a funded diamond mining company with Tongo moving into the development phase once the mining licence is granted and the necessary funding has been secured. This will be the key focus of the executive team over the coming months and it is no doubt going to be challenging with the current tough resource market conditions. However, we believe that we have the project and the team to make this happen.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our shareholders for their ongoing support for Stellar during these tough markets, as well as my fellow Board members and team on the ground for their commitment in driving the projects forwards. We are all hopeful that 2016 will be one of success and renewed value creation for Stellar.

Lord Daresbury
Non-Executive Chairman
http://stellar-diamonds.com/news/press/interim-results-for-the-six-months-to-31-december-2015

banjomick - 31 May 2016 07:56 - 80 of 144

31 May 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Initial Approval of Tongo Mine Licence


Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, has been verbally informed that the Minerals Advisory Board (MAB) has approved the application for a mining licence over its 100% owned Tongo project in Sierra Leone. Progression of the licencing process remains subject to the National Minerals Agency ("NMA"), the licencing body of the Ministry of Mines, formally writing to Stellar to inform it of the decision and drawing up a licence agreement to be forwarded to the Minister of Mines for approval.

Thereafter the fiscal terms of the mining licence will be negotiated between Stellar and the Government of Sierra Leone and the resulting mining concession agreement will then require ratification through Parliament.

In the meantime, Stellar is engaging with the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") with regards to the required environmental licence, which must also be issued before mining can commence.

A further announcement will be made to shareholders as and when the formal letter is received from the NMA. Such announcement will include any initial conditions expected in relation to the licence.

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond company with projects at the trial mining and mine development stages in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5350677

banjomick - 13 Jun 2016 07:53 - 81 of 144

13 June 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Trial Mining Evaluation Completed at Baoulé kimberlite in Guinea

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, is pleased to provide an operational update from trial mining at its 75% owned, five hectare Baoulé kimberlite pipe ("Baoulé" or "the Project") in Guinea.

Highlights:

· 100,000 tonne bulk sample completed

· 11,808 carats recovered at an average grade of 11.4cpht at a +1.25mm cut off

· Grade of the eastern lobe higher than western lobe at 13.3cpht vs. 9.8cpht respectively

· Over 8,400 carats sold to date in three diamond sales realising over US$1 million in revenues

o Gem diamonds of high quality achieving prices of up to US$6,800 per carat

· Sale of over 3,100 carats planned later this month

· Diamond value and grade modelling under way as part of establishing the diamond resource targeting ~3 million carats

Stellar Chief Executive commented:

"The trial mining exercise at Baoulé has been successfully completed, ahead of schedule, through the processing of over 100,000 tonnes of kimberlite from the eastern and western lobes of the 5 hectare pipe. A total of 929 stones greater than 1 carat have been yielded including numerous high value gem and fancy coloured (yellow) diamonds. Additionally as announced on 15 March 2016, one 55 carat stone has been recovered, which confirms the Company's belief that the Baoulé pipe is a source of large diamonds that are renowned in the Aredor area of Guinea.

The results show a clear difference in grade and diamond quality between the eastern and western lobes, with the volumetrically larger eastern lobe being of higher grade and quality. With the higher grade area identified, we intend to sell a further 3,188 carats later in June, with these diamonds all arising from the western lobe. This planned sale will add to US$1 million generated to-date from diamonds sold, which has contributed significantly to the costs of the exercise. We will then complete the necessary diamond grade and value modelling as part of the resource estimation exercise, with our resource target remaining approximately 3 million carats contained within the Baoulé pipe. This will then allow us to formulate the next development steps for the project."

Trial Mining Production and Processing

Trial mining evaluation of the Baoulé kimberlite pipe was recently completed through the mining, extraction and processing of over 100,000 dry tonnes of kimberlite. The geology of the pipe is complicated in parts with what seem to be multiple intrusions and brecciated contact zones in both lobes, with the western lobe in particular hosting a number of late stage and cross-cutting kimberlite dykes. For the purposes of evaluation it was not possible to separate and process separately each kimberlite lithology. However, the east and west lobes were sampled and processed separately, which did confirm a difference in grade between the two. Some 46,561 tonnes were processed from the eastern lobe whereas some 56,555 tonnes were processed from the western lobe.

The following link shows a pictorial of the trial mining exercise from start to finish: http://stellar-diamonds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Baoulé-Trial-Mining-Review-June-2016.pdf

Diamond Results

A total of 11,808 carats have been recovered to date from Baoulé at a +1.25mm cut off, giving an average grade of 11.4cpht. However, it is clear that the eastern lobe has a higher grade at 13.3cpht than the western lobe at 9.8cpht. This could be a consequence of different kimberlite types or processing efficiencies, since it was noted that the western lobe did yield a fewer percentage of -7 sieve stones (<1.83mm) compared to the eastern lobe

A total of 929 stones greater than 1 carat have been yielded including numerous high value gem and fancy coloured (yellow) diamonds of up to 12 carats in size. The presence of the 55 carat stone confirms the Company's belief that the Baoulé pipe is a source of large diamonds that are renowned in the Aredor area of Guinea.

A full statistical analysis will be made to compare the eastern and western lobes in terms of diamond grade, value and size distribution.

The table below sets out the diamond results to date from Baoulé:

***See Link at BOP***


Diamond Sales

A total of three diamond sales have been held to date. Some 8,400 carats have been sold realising US$1 million in revenues. Diamond values have varied widely from US$91 to US$156 per carat depending on the market sentiment at the time of the sale and the diamond mix of the parcels sold. However, it is notable that a number of gem and fancy coloured diamonds commanded premiums and values of up to US$6,800 per carat, confirming the presence of high value stones in the Baoulé pipe.

The fourth diamond sale of over 3100 carats is scheduled for June 2016. The sale will be via online auction using the DDA Trading platform. Viewings of the goods will take place from 20 to 27 June 2016 in Antwerp with the auction closing on 28 June 2016. Results of the auction will be announced soon after the auction is closed and sales proceeds received.

Competent person

This announcement has been reviewed by Karl Smithson, Chief Executive of Stellar, a qualified geologist and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Metals, Mining, with 27 years' experience.

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond company with projects at the trial mining and mine development stages in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5358806

banjomick - 13 Jun 2016 07:55 - 82 of 144

13 June 2016
AIM: STEL
Stellar Diamonds plc
("Stellar" or the "Company")

Shareholder Loan Facility

Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed (AIM: STEL) diamond development company focused on West Africa, announces that it has entered into an unsecured loan facility agreement ("the Agreement") with existing shareholders Altus Strategies Limited ("Altus") and Deutsche Balaton AG ("Deutsche Balaton") to provide funding to the Company of £465,000 in aggregate (the "Loan"), of which £325,000 is to be provided by Altus and £140,000 by Deutsche Balaton. The proceeds of the Loan will be used for working capital purposes as the Company advances its mining licence application for its Tongo kimberlite project in Sierra Leone and establishes a maiden resource at its Baoulé kimberlite project in Guinea.

The Loan is repayable six months following the date of the Agreement, or as otherwise agreed from time to time and bears interest at a rate of 20% per annum, payable in arrears. Stellar may prepay all or part of the Loan at any time, subject to a minimum prepayment amount. The Loan agreement includes customary terms and conditions, including agreement to use best endeavours to sell certain non-core assets (namely plant and equipment) to repay the Loan in the event of default.

By virtue of Deutsche Balaton being a substantial shareholder of the Company and Steven Poulton, a Director of the Company being the Chief Executive Officer of and minority shareholder in Altus, the Loan constitutes a related party transaction under the AIM Rules for Companies. The Directors who are independent of the Loan consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the terms of the Loan are fair and reasonable in so far as the Company's shareholders are concerned.

About Altus Strategies Ltd

Altus is a private UK based natural resource group which was founded in 2007. Through its subsidiaries, Altus is advancing a diversified portfolio of mineral exploration projects across Africa, is authorised by the FCA to undertake investment management activities and makes principal investments in selected special situations. Further information on Altus is available at: www.altus-strategies.com.

About Deutsche Balaton AG

Deutsche Balaton is a German investment company which was founded in 1991. Its shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Regulated Unofficial Market) and the company invests as principal in public and private equities, interest bearing securities and alternative assets across a range of sectors and geographies. Deutsche Balaton typically makes investments which result in it holding between 25 per cent. and 100 per cent. of a company. Further information on Deutsche Balaton is available at: www.deutsche-balaton.de

About Stellar Diamonds plc

Stellar is an AIM quoted (AIM: STEL) West African focused diamond company with projects at the trial mining and mine development stages in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5358805

banjomick - 13 Jun 2016 10:58 - 83 of 144

Missed this interview from 1st June:

Stellar Diamonds “moving in the right direction” with licence, says chief
12:17 01 Jun 2016

This week Stellar Diamonds PLC (LON:STEL) reported progress on its bid for a mining licence for its Tongo project in Sierra Leone, where it has been verbally informed that the Minerals Advisory Board (MAB) has approved its application.

Karl Smithson, chief executive, says he is “very happy” that the company has “gone through essentially two stages” – the submission of the licence application in November and the review by the Minerals Advisory Board.

He tells Proactive Investors that the company expects written approval in the shortly, before the application moves to the minister for his signature and final approval.

While the process is long, Smithson says the company is “moving in the right direction”, adding that he expects the project in Sierra Leone, once approved, to be a “long-term and sustainable operation for Stellar and for the country”.

youtube_logo_small.jpg

banjomick - 13 Jun 2016 11:04 - 84 of 144

Stellar Diamonds completes Baoulé sampling early
08:57 13 Jun 2016

The company revealed that the quality of diamonds in the larger eastern lobe is higher than those from the western lobe

757z468_lucara.jpg

Stellar Diamonds PLC (LON:STEL) has completed the 100,000 tonne bulk sample at its Baoulé kimberlite project in Guinea.

The company revealed 11,808 carats were recovered at an average grade of 11.4 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht), using a +1.25mm cut-off.

Stellar added that to date, more than 8,400 carats have been sold in three diamond sales, bringing in more than US$1mln in revenues. The higher quality gems have been achieving prices of up to US$6,800 per carat, it added.

The sale of a further 3,100 carats are planned later this month, with all of the diamonds extracted from the western lobe, which is generally yielding lower quality gems than the larger eastern lobe. The grade of the eastern lobe is clocking in at 13.3 cpht, compared to 9.8 cpht at the eastern lobe.

“This planned sale will add to US$1 million generated to-date from diamonds sold, which has contributed significantly to the costs of the exercise,” said Karl Smithson, chief executive officer (CEO) of Stellar Diamonds.

Meanwhile, the company is set to receive a further influx of funds via a shareholder loan. Shareholders Altus Strategies and Deutsche Balaton are to provide funding to the company of £465,000 in aggregate.

The proceeds of the loan will be used for working capital purposes as the company advances its mining licence application for its Tongo kimberlite project in Sierra Leone and establishes a maiden resource at its Baoulé.

The loan short-term loan bears an interest rate of 20% a year.

"The trial mining exercise at Baoulé has been successfully completed, ahead of schedule, through the processing of over 100,000 tonnes of kimberlite from the eastern and western lobes of the five hectare pipe,” noted CEO Karl Smithson.

“A total of 929 stones greater than one carat have been yielded, including numerous high value gem and fancy coloured (yellow) diamonds. Additionally as announced on 15 March 2016, one 55 carat stone has been recovered, which confirms the company's belief that the Baoulé pipe is a source of large diamonds that are renowned in the Aredor area of Guinea,” Smithson added.

Once this month’s diamonds sale is out of the way, Stellar will then complete the necessary diamond grade and value modelling as part of the resource estimation exercise. The company’s resource target is, as previously indicated, some 3mln carats contained within the Baoulé pipe.

When the grading and modelling has been completed it will allow the company to formulate the next development steps for the project.

“The company was able to confirm a difference in grade between the (volumetrically) larger eastern lobe (averaging 13.3cpht) and smaller western lobe (9.8cpht) lobes. Having said that, Stellar also noted that the difference could be due to differing processing efficiencies of the different kimberlite types,” noted broker Shore Capital.

John Harrington
69060_163846843643689_7687549_n.jpg?oh=f

and

MoneyAM
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