REG-Petra Diamonds: Williamson Tailings Storage Facility wall breach

Petra DiamondsAnnouncement

10/11/2022 14:30

10 November 2022  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   LSE: PDL 

Petra Diamonds Limited
(“Petra”) or the (“Company”)

Update regarding Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) wall breach at Williamson in
Tanzania

Petra announces an update following the TSF wall breach and flooding event at
the Williamson mine.

Further to its announcement dated 7 November 2022, Petra confirms that no
fatalities or serious injuries occurred as a result of the incident. Three
injuries of a minor nature have been reported and appropriate treatment has
been provided.

The cause of the breach is not yet confirmed and an investigation is underway
comprising technical teams from Williamson Diamonds Limited (WDL) and Petra
who are at the site. The services of an independent external specialist have
also been retained to assist with WDL’s investigation and who will provide a
report to the Petra Board.

Impact on the environment and local community

From an initial assessment, supported by the use of satellite imagery, the
main portion of the tailings have been contained by the New Alamasi water dam
which sits within the Mine Lease Area to the north east of the TSF. A portion
of tailings has flowed around the dam into a tributary to the north of the New
Alamasi water dam. Flow below the dam consisted mainly of water and was
largely contained by the topography.

WDL is working closely and collaboratively with local, Regional and National
authorities to assess the environmental damage and to  put in place and
implement remediation plans as soon as possible. WDL and Petra appreciate the
prompt response and assistance that has been provided by these authorities.

A total of 13 dwellings have been affected and the emergency response teams’
immediate priority has been to provide accommodation and humanitarian aid to
those affected. A socio-economic survey has been initiated, supported by an
external social impact specialist, to determine additional social impact.
Extensive and ongoing engagement with communities will continue to take place,
together with the Government, to ensure that key stakeholders are kept
appraised of WDL’s response, including planned remediation activities.

Technical and Production

WDL’s technical team with the support of members of Petra’s South African
technical team are working together on-site to resume production safely and in
accordance with applicable standards and procedures. Detailed planning is
underway to bring a new TSF into operation which was already under
construction at the time of the incident and which requires construction of a
new wall on the boundary of the failed TSF.  A preliminary estimate suggests
that production will be temporarily suspended for up to three months until the
new TSF has been commissioned.  In the interim, and to minimise the
overall/medium term impact of the lost production, planned maintenance will be
brought forward along with accelerated waste stripping.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Petra currently has a 75% shareholding in Williamson Diamonds Limited, with
the Government of Tanzania owning the remaining 25%.

~ Ends ~

For further information, please contact:

Petra Diamonds, London                  Telephone: +44 20
7494 8203

Patrick Pittaway                     
            investorrelations@petradiamonds.com         

Julia Stone

About Petra Diamonds Limited

Petra Diamonds is a leading independent diamond mining group and a supplier of
gem quality rough diamonds to the international market. The Group’s
portfolio incorporates interests in three underground producing mines in South
Africa (Finsch, Cullinan Mine and Koffiefontein) and one open pit mine in
Tanzania (Williamson).

Petra's strategy is to focus on value rather than volume production by
optimising recoveries from its high-quality asset base in order to maximise
their efficiency and profitability. The Group has a significant resource base
of ca. 226.6 million carats, which supports the potential for long-life
operations.

Petra strives to conduct all operations according to the highest ethical
standards and only operates in countries which are members of the Kimberley
Process. The Group aims to generate tangible value for each of its
stakeholders, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of its
host countries and supporting long-term sustainable operations to the benefit
of its employees, partners and communities.

Petra is quoted with a premium listing on the Main Market of the London Stock
Exchange under the ticker 'PDL'. The Group’s loan notes due in 2026 are
listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and admitted to trading on the Global
Exchange Market. For more information, visit www.petradiamonds.com.



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