David Johnson: De Beers charts cautious Angola return amid industry transformation

De Beers is rebuilding its presence in Angola through government partnerships and community engagement, marking a strategic comeback following its difficult exit years ago from the diamond-rich nation. However, De Beers spokesperson David Johnson cautioned...

24 november 2025

Maria Krasnova: Colored gemstones are a serious investment

Maria Krasnova, Executive Director of the renowned company “Samotsvety ot Sokolov” (Gems by Sokolov), spoke to Rough&Polished about the Gemstone project aimed at selling precious stones, as well as about current market trends, new challenges...

17 november 2025

Forging a new legacy: Tshenolo Ntshekang on building a black-owned diamond beneficiation business in South Africa

In an industry historically defined by limited access and foreign dominance, Tshenolo Ntshekang is carving a new path. The founder of Banzi and Karolo Projects, a black-owned diamond beneficiation business, Ntshekang, represents a growing wave of...

03 november 2025

Mahiar Borhanjoo returns to ‘The Heart Of The Diamond Business’

Having started his career in the diamond trade at De Beers in London, Mahiar Borhanjoo returned to the diamond giant last year as Chief Commercial Officer after working for a decade for other diamond companies. Mahiar explains why he returned to De Beers...

27 october 2025

Mubri president Ali Pastorini: You just need to play a transparent game and do everything possible to attract clients

Ali Pastorini, co-owner of the DEL LIMA JEWERLY and president of the Mubri International Association, which unites more than 2,500 wholesalers, retailers, and designers from 18 countries. In this interview with Rough&Polished Ali Pastorini talks about...

20 october 2025

Shuka Minerals confirms funding for Zambian mine acquisition, completes first tranche

02 december 2025

Shuka Minerals has confirmed it will receive the remaining funds to complete its acquisition of the Kabwe zinc mine in Zambia this month, finalising a deal that will give it full ownership of the central Zambian operation.

The company announced on December 1 that it has already settled the initial payment, securing a 22.2% stake in Leopard Exploration and Mining (LEM), which holds the Kabwe mine.

Further payments from financier Gathoni Muchai Investments (GMI), originally expected in November, are now anticipated in December.

These upcoming payments will increase Shuka’s interest in LEM to 49.9%. A final tranche of cash, shares, and warrants will then be used to acquire 100% of LEM, with the entire transaction scheduled for completion by December 31.

GMI had planned to pay the remaining $1.05 million in cash consideration to the LEM vendors by the end of November.

The investment firm now expects to settle this amount, along with an outstanding £450,000 ($594, 560) balance from an increased loan facility, this month.

"The company remains in regular contact with GMI regarding the status of funds due, and its expectation is that the balance of the £2-million ($2.6 million) GMI loan facility will be paid to the company by mid-December," Shuka Minerals stated.

Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished