The investors were from leading companies involved in the construction of the mine, including European Diamond, the parent company of the Liqhobong Mining Development Company, and the Dragon Group, based in London.

Impressed by the "highly conducive" climate and geology of the region, Dragon Group representative, Mr. Jim Williams said he believed there would be a return of investment from the mine in 18 months' time.

Chief Executive Officer of the Liqhobong mine, Mr. Roy Spencer said Lesotho is widely known for its rich diamonds yet the stone has been ignored for a long time. The mine hopes to have started selling some of its diamonds on the world market by June this year.

The company intends drawing its labour force from the surrounding villages. It presently employs a complement of 55 people although this is expected to grow to 75 soon.
 
Ministry of Natural Resources chief mining engineer, Mr. Mpooa Mpooa said much of the work at the mine is expected to be labour intensive including diamond sorting by hand, to provide employment for the local people.

Lesotho has a 26 percent share capital and expects to get eight percent in royalties, Mr. Mpooa said, adding that the life expectancy of the mine was an estimated 15 years.

Meanwhile, prospecting is currently on at another mining site, at Kao in Botha-Bothe, undertaken by a Canadian company, Serious View Trading.

11 February 2005