Sale of Exploration Assets in Botswana

20 July 2020

LSE: PDL

Petra Diamonds Limited

("Petra" or the "Company" or the “Group”)

Sale of Exploration Assets in Botswana

Petra Diamonds Limited announces that it has entered into an agreement to dispose of its exploration assets in Botswana via the sale of 100% of its holding in Sekaka Diamonds Exploration (Pty) Limited (previously known as Petra Diamonds Botswana (Pty) Limited) (“Sekaka Diamonds”) to Botswana Diamonds PLC (“Botswana Diamonds”) for a total consideration of US$300,000 and a 5% royalty on future diamond revenues should any of the prospects within the exploration licences be brought into production. 

The assets of Sekaka Diamonds include the Company’s three existing Prospecting Licenses in Botswana, which includes the KX36 project, a 3.5 hectare kimberlite that was a new discovery by Petra in 2010, as well as a bulk sampling plant.  These assets have been classified as 'Assets held for sale' since 30 June 2018 following a decision by the Board to dispose of its Botswana exploration assets; the transaction is not a result of the recent sales process announced on 26 June 2020.

The purchase price of US$300,000 will be payable in two equal instalments of US$150,000 each, on or before 31 August 2021 and 31 August 2022 respectively. Petra is also entitled to a 5% royalty on the sale of diamonds commercially produced from any kimberlite which falls within the licence areas covered in the sale. Botswana Diamonds has the option to buy-out the royalty for a cash payment of US$2 million.  

The sale is subject to a number of regulatory approvals, including Ministerial consent in Botswana, approval from Petra’s lenders and noteholders and, to the extent required, approval from the Botswana Competition Commission. The long-stop date for fulfilment of the Conditions Precedent is 31 August 2020, which may be extended by mutual agreement of the two parties.

Richard Duffy, Chief Executive of Petra, commented:

“This disposal forms part of our strategy to focus on driving efficiencies from our high quality producing mines, but allows us to maintain upside to potential future commercial production from the Botswana assets, particularly from the KX36 deposit. We wish Botswana Diamonds well with their exciting exploration programme in Botswana and look forward to following their progress.”

This Disposal constitutes a Class 2 transaction for the purposes of the UK Listing Rules and further required disclosures are below:

		US$ million
Sekaka Diamonds Gross Assets	31 December 2019	0.6
Petra Gross Assets	31 December 2019	1,291.7
Sekaka Diamonds Net loss before tax	FY 2019	1.6
Petra Net loss before tax	FY 2019	254.0

Petra plans to apply the proceeds of the sale to general working capital purposes.

~ Ends ~

For further information, please contact:

Petra Diamonds, London  Telephone: [phone]

Cathy Malins    [e-mail]

Des Kilalea 

Marianna Bowes   

About Petra Diamonds Limited

Petra Diamonds is a leading independent diamond mining group and a consistent supplier of gem quality rough diamonds to the international market. The Company has a diversified portfolio incorporating interests in three underground producing mines in South Africa (Finsch, Cullinan and Koffiefontein) and one open pit producing mine in Tanzania (Williamson).

Petra's strategy is to focus on value rather than volume production by optimising recoveries from its high-quality asset base in order to maximise their efficiency and profitability. The Group has a significant resource base of ca. 250 million carats, which supports the potential for long-life operations.

Petra conducts all operations according to the highest ethical standards and will only operate in countries which are members of the Kimberley Process. The Company aims to generate tangible value for each of its stakeholders, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of its host countries and supporting long-term sustainable operations to the benefit of its employees, partners and communities.

Petra is quoted with a premium listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker 'PDL' and is a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. The Company’s US$650 million loan notes due in 2022 are listed on the Global Exchange market of the Irish Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.petradiamonds.com.