The satellite pit at Gem’s Letseng diamond mine in Lesotho

Gem Diamonds Limited – a global diamond producer with African operations in Lesotho, Botswana, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic – says the company’s performance for 2008 will be significantly below its expectations in August, and could result in a loss for the full year of 2008.

Gareth Penny, Managing Director, De Beers

Top diamond producer De Beers plans to double its advertising spend in the United States ahead of the Christmas season, and is confident the sector will gain market share over other luxury and consumer goods.

Underground development at Randgold’s Yalea mine in Mali

International gold mining and exploration company Randgold Resources is looking to snap up assets – particularly in Africa – from rival diggers left struggling by the financial crisis, as it seeks to boost its reserves.

The new plant at Orapa – one of Botswana’s top diamond mining operations

Botswana's economic growth slowed from 5.5% in the 2006/07 financial year to 3.3% in 2007/08, largely due to lower mining output.

Ruashi – one of the bigger copper and cobalt projects in the DRC

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – currently involved in countering a rebellion in the eastern province of North Kivu – has announced that it intends completing its review of mining contracts soon.

Lonmin plc – the world’s third-largest platinum producer – has appointed Ian Farmer as chief executive officer with immediate effect.