AFGEM OFFERS FULL SUPPORT AFTER MINING DISASTER ON
African Gem Resources Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Registration number 1998/0072/92/06
ISIN: ZAE000025540
Share code: AFG
("AFGEM" or "the company")
AFGEM offers full support after mining disaster on neighbouring block
AFGEM, the vertically integrated coloured gemstone company with the mining
licence over Block C, Merelani in northern Tanzania, has expressed its
regret and dismay at the mining disaster that occurred on neighbouring Block
B yesterday morning.
Details of the accident are not clear, but preliminary information indicates
that an unspecified number of small-scale miners were suffocated due to an
equipment failure.
AFGEM, the only large-scale formal investor into the tanzanite industry, has
provided its full support and resources to assist in the rescue operation
currently underway.
"This is a devastating tragedy. In addition to the assistance we have
already provided, we have assured the authorities and our neighbours that
AFGEM`s people, equipment and medical facilities are completely at their
disposal," said Joe Kimble, general manager of AFGEM`s Tanzanian operation.
AFGEM`s Block C is the world`s only large-scale tanzanite mining operation.
Historically, tanzanite has been mined by small-scale informal miners on the
neighbouring blocks. AFGEM continues to offer the authorities its full
support in extending the application of its health and safety policies to
the neighbouring informal mining operations.
Johannesburg
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