Liqhobong Diamond Mine
A high-altitude kimberlite diamond mine producing exceptional gem-quality stones in the Lesotho Highlands.
Liqhobong is an open-pit diamond mine situated at approximately 2,500 metres above sea level in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. It is operated by Firestone Diamonds (75%), with the Government of Lesotho holding a 25% free-carried interest. The mine processes the Main Pipe kimberlite and has been in production since 2016. Liqhobong is known for producing large, high-quality gemstone diamonds, with notable stones exceeding 100 carats recovered. The mine processes approximately 3.6 million tonnes of kimberlite per year.
- 01Produce approximately 1 million carats of diamonds per year
- 02Recover high-value large gem-quality diamonds from the Main Pipe kimberlite
- 03Optimize the processing plant to improve diamond liberation and recovery
- 04Manage high-altitude operational challenges in the Lesotho Highlands
- 05Extend mine life through resource conversion and pit optimization
- 06Maximize benefits to Lesotho through employment, taxes, and royalties
2014 · completed
Construction Began
Construction of the Liqhobong mine and 3.6 Mtpa processing plant commenced.
2016 · completed
Commercial Production
Liqhobong achieved commercial diamond production in October 2016.
2018 · completed
Record Diamond Recovery
A 126-carat white gem diamond was recovered, among several notable large stones.
2020 · completed
COVID-19 Challenges
Operations were temporarily suspended due to the global pandemic before resuming.
2023 · completed
Operational Review
Strategic review conducted to optimize mining methods and reduce operating costs.
2025 · in progress
Continued Operations
The mine continues operations with focus on recovering high-value diamonds.
Mineral Resource
Diamond Resource
Indicated resource of approximately 34 million carats within the Main Pipe kimberlite body.
Processing Plant
Processing Plant
A 3.6 Mtpa plant with crushing, scrubbing, dense media separation, and X-ray sorting modules.
Mining Infrastructure
Open Pit
Conventional open pit accessing the Main Pipe kimberlite at over 2,500 metres elevation.
Waste Management
Tailings Facility
Engineered tailings storage facility designed for the high-altitude, high-rainfall environment.
- Open-pit conventional drill and blast mining
- Large diamond recovery (LDR) circuit to protect high-value stones
- Dense media separation (DMS) for diamond recovery
- Crushing and scrubbing circuit for kimberlite processing
- X-ray luminescence diamond sorting
- Cold-weather operational systems for high-altitude conditions
What it means for the community
Liqhobong is one of Lesotho's largest private sector employers, with approximately 800 direct employees and over 90% being Basotho nationals. The mine has been a significant contributor to Lesotho's government revenue through royalties, corporate taxes, and the government's 25% free-carried interest. Community development programs have focused on education, healthcare, and road infrastructure in the remote Butha-Buthe District.
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- Firestone Diamonds (75%)
- Government of Lesotho (25%)
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