As Congo’s cheap surface oxide ore is depleted, big miners are switching to underground sulphide sources, potentially giving the top 3 control of half the global supply of the battery metal.

The 58.6-carat diamond find follows the discovery of a 21.6 carat stone at the South African mine a week ago.

Blockchain-based program is being tested in real operating conditions at multiple on-site pilots in DRC and Europe.

The miner, which is developing the Colluli sulphate of potash project in Eritrea, will keep its Australian listing.

Lucara expects to achieve 75% of slated full production by late 2029, 1.3 years later than planned and spend $20m more than budgeted.