Stellar Diamonds plc, the London listed diamond development company focused on West Africa, has been verbally informed that the Minerals Advisory Board (MAB) has approved the application for a mining licence over its 100% owned Tongo project in Sierra Leone. Progression of the licencing process remains subject to the National Minerals Agency (“NMA”), the licencing body of the Ministry of Mines, formally writing to Stellar to inform it of the decision and drawing up a licence agreement to be forwarded to the Minister of Mines for approval.

Thereafter the fiscal terms of the mining licence will be negotiated between Stellar and the Government of Sierra Leone and the resulting mining concession agreement will then require ratification through Parliament.

In the meantime, Stellar is engaging with the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) with regards to the required environmental licence, which must also be issued before mining can commence.

A further announcement will be made to shareholders as and when the formal letter is received from the NMA. Such announcement will include any initial conditions expected in relation to the licence.