In response to a letter from the Equitable Access Campaign (EAC), published by Mining Weekly on June 26 – which highlighted the plight of small-scale marine diamond miners operating off the coast of Alexander Bay – Sable Metals & Minerals CEO James Allan reiterates that a panel should be appointed to fix State-owned diamond mining company Alexkor.

He emphasises that by appointing a panel of reputable and knowledgeable experts to investigate the severely depleted land resources, and professionally evaluate the possible upside potential of the mid- and deep-water marine deposits, it might be possible to sensibly extend the life of Alexkor and continue to contribute to employment and other long-term development in northern Namaqualand.