Diamond mining company De Beers has announced the successful sale of the Buffels Marine mining right (BMMR) and associated assets to Kleinzee Holdings, which is a consortium led by partners Melki Mining and HolGoun Investment Holdings.

The sale is effective as of August 7.

BMMR was De Beers’ last remaining mining right at Namaqualand Mines in the Northern Cape.

De Beers has been conducting rehabilitation activities since it ceased operations at BMMR in 2010, while looking for a responsible operator for the mining right. Through the sale process, Kleinzee demonstrated sufficient mining experience and the requisite resources to operate and further develop the mine.

“De Beers is pleased to hand over BMMR to Kleinzee Holdings as they resume mining operations and create new opportunities for economic activity and employment,” De Beers managed operations MD Moses Madondo said in a September 5 press release.

Kleinzee chairperson Thiru Govender said the sale was achieved through a competitive bidding process and within a relatively short period of time.

“Within our consortium, we have the competencies, expertise and experience to reopen and operate BMMR successfully. We are conscious of the challenges that face us in operating a mine which has been conducting rehabilitation activities since ceasing operations in 2010, and we are committed to ensuring the mine is operational within the shortest period, bringing much-needed employment and economic stimuli to Kleinzee and the surrounding towns,” Govender said.

Throughout August, De Beers worked with Kleinzee to ensure a seamless and responsible handover of BMMR.

De Beers continues to invest in exploration activities in the Northern Cape province and aims to continue investing in the region through socioeconomic development projects focused on education, skills development and job creation.