2 Killed at Gem Diamonds' Botswana Project

(IDEX Online News) – Two workers were killed when ground at the face of a tunnel collapsed at Gem Diamonds Ghaghoo mine project in Botswana. The company did not report when the accident happened.

The company said on Monday that the incident has been fully investigated and the Department of Mines has given permission for the project to continue. Further and additional safety precautions have been put in place.

"The Company again extends its condolences to the families of the two deceased and commits itself to continuing to strive for the highest safety standards for its employees and contractors at all of its operations," said CEO Clifford Elphick.

Gem Diamonds said the accident took place in adverse ground conditions. Early indications are that these conditions, together with this incident, will result in a delay to the production of the first diamonds until the first half of 2014.