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Gem Diamonds Limited

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FY2020 Annual Report · Gem Diamonds Limited
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ANNUAL REPORT  
AND ACCOUNTS 2020

CONTENTS

STRATEGIC REPORT

About Gem Diamonds

2020 in review

Our business model

Chairperson’s statement

Market review

Stakeholder engagement

Our strategy

Principal risks and uncertainties

Viability statement

PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Chief executive’s review

Chief financial officer’s review

Operational review

Sustainability

GOVERNANCE

Chairperson’s introduction to corporate governance

Governance at a glance

Directorate and executive management

Corporate governance statement

Nominations committee

Sustainability committee

Audit committee

Remuneration committee

Directors’ report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REPORT ON PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENTS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

02

03

04

06

10

13

15

21

25

31

32

33

36

43

48

51

52

54

56

58

69

72

75

81

110

113

176

179

This icon indicates additional information available 
on the Group’s website at www.gemdiamonds.com

This  icon  refers  the  reader  to  further  information 
about the Group’s sustainable development activities 
on  the  Group’s  website  at  www.gemdiamonds/
reports.co.za/reports/sd-2021/index.php

This  QR  code  refers  the  reader  to  the  Group’s 
website www.gemdiamonds.com

WELCOME TO THE GEM DIAMONDS 
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020
The  Annual  Report  and  Accounts  (this  report)  have  been 
prepared in accordance with:

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

 applicable English and British Virgin Islands law;
 regulations and best practice as advised by the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC) and the Department of Business, 
Innovation and Skills in the United Kingdom (UK);
 guidance from the International Integrated  
Reporting Council (IIRC) Integrated Reporting  
 Framework which is publicly available at  
www.integratedreporting.org 
 information related to payments made to governments 
was compiled as required under the UK’s Report on 
Payments to Governments Regulations 2014 (as amended 
December 2015) as applicable to companies involved in 
extractive activities. It is also intended to satisfy the 
requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules;  
of the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK;
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); and
 the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 which is 
publicly available at www.frc.org.uk 

;

.

The report covers Gem Diamonds Limited and its subsidiaries 
(the Group) for the financial year ended 31 December 2020.

REPORTING SUITE
In  addition  to  the  Annual  Report  and  Accounts  2020  our 
reporting suite includes:

Sustainable Development Report 2020  
(report and interactive platform)
Information  relating  to  sustainable  development  has  been 
compiled in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative 
(GRI)  G4  Sustainability  Reporting  Guidelines  and  Gem 
Diamonds’ internal reporting guidelines, with consideration 
of  the  UN  Global  Compact.  Details  regarding  sustainable 
development  can  be  found  on  the  www.gemdiamonds/
reports.co.za/reports/sd-2021/index.php  and 
in  our  2020 
Sustainability Report.

BOARD APPROVAL
The Board, supported by the Audit Committee, acknowledges 
its  responsibility  to  ensure  the  integrity  and  completeness  of 
this  report.  The  Board  applied  its  collective  mind  to  the 
preparation  and  presentation  of  this  report.  We  consider  the 
interests  of  employees  and  other  stakeholders,  including  the 
communities  and  environment  in  which  we  operate,  when 
making  decisions.  We  believe  that  the  report  provides  a 
balanced  and  appropriate  representation  of  the  Group’s 
performance,  strategy  and  material  risks  and,  acting  fairly,  in 
good faith, we considered what is most likely to promote the 
sustainability and success of Gem Diamonds in the long term.

The  Board  approved  the  Annual  Report  and  Accounts  2020, 
which 
includes  the  Strategic  Report  on  pages  2  to  50  
on 10 March 2021.

The 439ct Letšeng Icon that was recovered and sold in 2020 is featured on the cover page.

02

03

STRATEGIC 
REPORT

ABOUT GEM DIAMONDS

CARAT
Purpose
Unearthing unique possibilities

CLARITY
Vision
To  support,  develop  and  empower 
our people so that:
• 

 a meaningful, sustainable contribution can be made 
to the countries in which we operate; 

• 

• 

 our employees can benefit in the short and long term; and

 we can deliver long-term value to our shareholders.

CUT
The way we do things (values) 
Care – We listen and respond responsibly to the needs of 
our  employees,  communities  and  shareholders.  We 
honour  our  commitments  to  all  stakeholders,  which 
include the natural environment in which we operate.

Trust – We empower our people and trust them to make 
decisions that will deliver on our strategy.

Ethical – We have zero tolerance for bribery and corruption 
and conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with good 
governance practices. We pride ourselves on being socially 
and environmentally responsible.

Respect  –  Everyone  matters  and  is  treated  equally.  We 
cultivate an open and transparent environment where we 
value the beliefs, ideas and contributions of our employees, 
communities and shareholders.

Flexible and open-minded – We encourage and consider 
ideas  from  employees  while  remaining  responsive  and 
agile.

Passionate  and  fun  –  We  enjoy  the  work  that  we  are 
fortunate  to  do  and  the  people  we  do  it  with.  We  seek 
opportunities to explore and develop while encouraging 
a work-life balance.

Refer to our Chairperson’s statement on page 10.

COLOUR
Culture

invest 

At  Gem  we 
in  our  workforce  to  create  an 
environment  where  every  person  is  proud  to  be  part  of 
our  family.  Mutual  respect  and  care  are  not  only  shared 
throughout  the  Group  but  extend  to  the  wider  society. 
Individuals  are  valued  for  their  differences  and  are 
empowered to thrive, grow and contribute to a common 
goal, holding themselves and each other accountable for 
delivering on their promises.

A purpose and vision extending 
beyond financial measures

Gem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional information04

05

2020 IN REVIEW

2020 IN REVIEW CONTINUED

Measure

Average price per carat achieved (US$)
Revenue (US$ million)
Total direct cash cost (excluding waste costs) per tonne treated (LSL)
Total direct cash cost (including waste costs) per tonne treated (LSL)
Total operating cost per tonne treated (LSL)
EBITDA1 (US$ million)
Profit for the year (from continuing operations) (US$ million)
Corporate costs (US$ million)
Basic EPS2 (from continuing operations) (US cents)
Cash and short-term deposits (US$ million)
Cash generated from operating activities (US$ million)
Drawndown bank facilities (US$ million)
Net cash/(debt)3 (US$ million)
Available bank facilities (US$ million)
Business Transformation benefits delivered (US$ million)

Capital expenditure (US$ million)
Ore tonnes treated (millions)
Waste tonnes mined (millions)

ISO 14001 (environmental management) certification
ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) certification

Fatalities
Major or significant stakeholder incidents
Lost time injuries (LTIs)
Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) (%)
Corporate social investment (US$ million)

2020

1 908
189.6
201.5
326.6
320.2
53.2
27.5
8.0
12.1
49.8
96.2
15.2
34.6
60.8
79.2

1.6
5.4
15.6

Yes
Yes

0
0
1
0.04
0.3

2019

1 637
182.0
181.2
321.8
245.9
41.0
15.0
9.4
5.1
11.4
55.5
21.6
(10.2)
69.9
54.9

9.7
6.7
24.0

Yes
Yes

1
0
7
0.28
0.8

Average employees (including contractors)
Skills development (training hours)

1 702
13 101

1 748
30 816

Carats recovered (thousands)
Carats sold (thousands)
Major or significant environmental incidents

100.8
99.2
0

114.0
111.3
0

% 
change

17
4
(11)
(1)
(30)
30
83
(15)
137
337
73
30
439
(13)
44

84
(19)
(35)

–
–

(100)
–
(86)
(86)
(63)

(3)
(57)

(12)
(11)
–

Financial  
capital

Manufactured  
capital

Intellectual  
capital

Social and relational  
capital

Human  
capital

Natural  
capital

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for the definition of non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures.
2  Refer to Group financial performance for GAAP measures.
3 

 Net cash/(debt) is a non-GAAP measure and calculated as cash and short-term deposits less drawndown bank facilities (excluding the asset-based finance facility and insurance 
premium financing).

DIAMOND ANALYSIS AND 
MANUFACTURING
The  Group’s  HIGH-TECH  ROUGH  DIAMOND 
ANALYSIS operation is tasked with:

• 

• 

 understanding the value of exceptional large 
high-value rough diamonds through mapping 
and analysis; and

 managing the manufacturing process of 
selected diamonds through third-party 
manufacturers.

Baobab Technologies (100% ownership)

SALES AND MARKETING
The Group’s diamond sorting, sales and marketing operation in Belgium focuses on:

•  maximising the revenue achieved on diamond sales;

• 

• 

developing the Gem Diamonds brand in the market; and

enhancing customer relationships.

Our diamonds are predominantly sold through a tender process. Through mapping 
and  analysis,  the  value  of  the  Letšeng  high-quality  diamonds  is  determined  and 
used  to  achieve  the  highest  rough  value  THROUGH  MULTIPLE  SELLING 
CHANNELS.  In  2020,  flexible  tender  processes  were  introduced  to  ensure  strict 
compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols while ensuring the highest 
obtainable market prices were achieved.

The Group’s electronic tender platform provides an enhanced experience for clients 
and significantly increases internal efficiencies in the sales and marketing function.

Gem Diamonds Marketing Services (100% ownership)

UNITED KINGDOM 
BASED HEADQUARTERS 
The  Group’s  holding  company  which  is 
listed on the London Stock Exchange and 
oversight  of  Governance  structures  and 
the Board’s strategic plans.

GHAGHOO
Underground  diamond  mining  development  in  Botswana, 
which was placed on care and maintenance in 2017 and is 
classified as a discontinued operation held for sale.
Gem Diamonds Botswana (100% ownership)

TECHNOLOGY AND 
INNOVATION 
This  Cyprus  company  houses  the 
Group’s innovation and technology 
research and development projects 
and  related  intellectual  property 
rights.

Gem Diamonds Innovation Services 
(100% ownership)

TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE 
SERVICES
South  African  subsidiary  providing  technical  support  across  
the entire value chain.

Gem Diamond Technical Services (100% owned)

LETŠENG
Our  flagship  open  pit  diamond  mine  is  the  HIGHEST 
ACHIEVING  AVERAGE  US$  PER  CARAT  KIMBERLITE 
MINE IN THE WORLD.

in  Lesotho 

This  operation 
focuses  on  mining  
and  processing  ore  efficiently  and  safely  from  its  
two  kimberlite  pipes  (Main  and  Satellite)  which  are 
17.0ha and 5.2ha respectively. Ore is processed through 
three  treatment  plants  with  an  annual  throughput  
of 6.5 million to 7.0 million tonnes and carat recoveries  
of 110 000 carats to 120 000 carats.

70% owned by Gem Diamonds Limited and 30% owned by the 
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho with a lease period until 2039

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202006

07

OUR BUSINESS MODEL

OUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

ROUGH DIAMONDS

POLISHED DIAMONDS

DIAMOND JEWELLERY

Typical diamond value chain

PRODUCTION

SALES

MANUFACTURING

SALES

MANUFACTURE JEWELLERY

RETAIL SALES

•  Mining ore and waste
• 
• 
• 

Processing ore
Recovering diamonds
Sorting diamonds

• 
• 

Rough diamond analysis and sorting
Sale of rough diamonds

Rough diamonds are manufactured 
into polished diamonds

• 

• 

 Wholesale of 
polished diamonds
 Trading in polished 
diamonds

*

Design  and  manufacturing  of  diamond 
jewellery

Retail sales to the consumer

*

The diamond in 
jewellery state

Rough pink diamond

Cut and polished diamond

Blockchain solutions will connect the end user and the producer. Read more on page 47.

INPUTS REQUIRED

OUTCOMES: 2020 DELIVERY

Letšeng, a long-term asset with a strong open pit resource base with the possibility of further underground expansion. 
Letšeng is also a low-cost operation with a track record of successful mine plan optimisation and cost-reduction initiatives.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Current mine lease period to 2039
Total mineral resource of 5 million carats
1 377 867GJ of energy consumed
Per tonne treated we use 1.18m3 water
1 702 employees (including contractors) with an absenteeism rate of 1.6 days per person per annum
The health, wellness and development of employees are priorities throughout the Group
 The Group put in place, and continues to take, all necessary precautions as part of its COVID-19 response to ensure the welfare of our 
employees, contractors and the communities in which we operate

•  We have zero tolerance to harm of employees, human rights violations, bribery and corruption
• 
• 
•  412 registered clients

The Group values and safeguards its social licence to operate
Vastly experienced global management team

Top revenue drivers:
 – Grade performance and carats recovered
 – Diamond market
 – Number of large (>10ct) high-quality diamonds recovered
 – Exceptional high-value diamond recoveries
 – Reduction in diamond damage
 – Main versus Satellite pipe ore mix at Letšeng

• 
• 

Available debt facilities US$60.8 million
Annual capex investment of US$1.6 million

Top cost drivers:
 – Waste stripping
 – Increasing depth of pits
 – Cost of remoteness
 – Foreign exchange rate fluctuations

Rough carats sold:  
99 172

Rough carats recovered:  
100 780

2020 OUTPUTS

Number of >10ct diamonds:  
762 contributing 81% of revenue
 Diamonds selling for more than US$1 million:  
34 contributing  
US$77.6 million to revenue

Total carbon footprint: 140 040 tCO2e
Major or significant environmental incidents: Zero
10.2ha land added to the mining footprint 
Diamond exports complying to the Kimberley Process: 100%
Letšeng rehabilitation provision of US$12.3 million

Since  inception,  Gem  Diamonds  has  worked  in  partnership  with  the 
Government of Lesotho to contribute to the national priorities. We continue 
to contribute to government’s efforts to combat COVID-19 in the country 
and invest in initiatives in project-affected communities (PACs) that support 
long-term development. 

Sustainable Development Reporting Platform, available on Gem Diamonds’ 
, 
website  (www.gemdiamonds/reports.co.za/reports/sd-2021/index.php) 
provides a comprehensive report on social, employee, safety, environmental 
and governance matters.

Priority UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Zero fatalities
LTIFR of 0.04
AIFR of 0.76
In 2020  two employees unfortunately lost their lives to suspected 
COVID-19-related complications

Human rights training included in employee induction programme
Major or significant stakeholder incidents: 0
A supply chain preventing child and forced labour

Invested US$0.3 million in community and country COVID-19 
prevention programmes
Resettled PACs: 0
Letšeng in-country procurement: US$126.2 million
Letšeng paid royalties of US$18.4 million

Focus on cost optimisation and cash preservation during the year
Cash generated per share 0.69 (US cents)

Basic earnings per share (BEPS)  
from continuing operations 12.1 (US cents)
Average price per carat achieved US$1 908
Return on average capital employed of 12%
EBITDA of US$53.2 million
Revenue of US$189.6 million

Our viability statement on page 31 explains how the outcomes ultimately lead to a sustainable business model that delivers on our vision.

* 

Images supplied by Graff Diamonds International.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202008

09

OUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

OUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

INVESTMENT CASE
While Gem Diamonds’ Letšeng mine is renowned for its large, 
high-value white diamonds, the Group has a number of other 
attributes  that  make  it  a  unique  and  compelling  investment 
proposition:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Diamond frequency – Large high-value diamonds 
recovered from the Letšeng mine account for 75% to 80% 
of the Group’s revenue annually, making Letšeng the 
highest average dollar per carat kimberlite diamond mine 
in the world. Since the Letšeng mine was acquired in 2006, 
it has produced 116 diamonds of greater than 100 carats 
and in addition, it has also produced high-quality pink and  
blue diamonds.

 Cost efficiency – Operating costs per tonne at the mine are 
among the lowest in the world and the Group continues to 
realise ongoing benefits from the implemented BT initiatives 
and the ongoing CI programme currently being rolled out.

 Resource base – Letšeng is a long-term asset with the 
possibility of further underground expansion.

 Innovation – The Group continues to monitor and 
advance innovative technology that improves operational 
performance and unlocks value by reducing diamond 
damage through early identification and non-mechanical 
liberation. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Strong customer relationships – The Group has 
developed excellent relationships with key customers over 
time that supported continued diamond sales at good 
prices in 2020.

 Integrated multi-channel sales and marketing –  
Advanced mapping and analysis of diamonds assists 
strategic selling, partnering or manufacturing decisions  
to achieve the highest value through multiple selling 
channels. 

 Leadership – Experienced global Board and Executive 
Management with a track record of successful mine plan 
optimisation and cost reduction. Significant in-country 
experience and expertise has and continues to be 
developed at our operations. 

 Good governance – Commitment to ethical business 
practices and good corporate governance.

 Strategy – Gem Diamonds’ strategy has proven to deliver 
maximum value for all stakeholders.

 Social and environmental responsibility – We are 
committed to promoting a culture of zero harm and 
responsible care to minimise our impact on the 
environment and optimise the benefit for our 
communities.

Harry Kenyon-Slaney
Chairperson
10 March 2021

BALANCING CAPITAL ALLOCATION IN 
UNCERTAIN TIMES
In  addition  to  taking  immediate  steps  to  ensure  the  health  and 
safety of our workforce and surrounding communities in response 
to COVID-19, we assessed the significant uncertainty introduced to 
the Group, the mining sector and global marketing channels. We 
proactively implemented cost reduction and deferment measures 
to preserve cash and improve liquidity to ensure the sustainability 
of  the  business.  All  operational  and  financial  management 
initiatives  and  planned  capital  expenditure  were  re-evaluated  to 
minimise cash outflow. Cost reduction and deferment measures at 
Letšeng included negotiating with contractors to manage services 
and costs during the 30-day shutdown and subsequent ramp-up 
period  to  full  production.  Temporary  salary  reductions  were 
implemented  across  the  Group,  ranging  from  20%  at  executive 
level to 15% and 10% across various salary bands. The salary cuts 
were repaid to all affected employees at an effective rate of 96% 
following  the  positive  sales  results  and  cash  flow  generation  in 
September.

Waste mining was significantly reduced during the second quarter 
to  preserve  cash  before  resuming  in  July.  We  increased  the 
proportion  of  ore  treated  from  the  high-value  Satellite  pipe  and 
strategically  reduced  processing  throughput  to  improve  plant 
stability  through  a  more  consistent  feed  rate  with  the  aim  of 
increasing recoveries and overall grade. Dewatering was suspended 
at the Ghaghoo mine, which is on care and maintenance, realising 
further  savings  through  the  renegotiation  of  key  contracts  and 
reduced  fuel  consumption  on  site  and  other  ancillary  costs. The 
ongoing  benefits  and  savings  from  the  Business Transformation 
(BT) and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives supported cash 
flows and no significant costs were incurred on ad hoc projects. 

focus  on  cash  preservation  did  not  affect  our 
This 
commitment  to  supporting  the  welfare  of  the  Group’s 
employees,  contractors  and  the  communities  in  which  we 
operate, which remains a foremost priority. To the end of the 
year,  US$1.1  million  was  spent  on  ongoing  COVID-19 
protocols  to  protect  our  employees  and  contractors,  and  a 
further  US$0.3  million  was 
invested  through  the  CSI 
programme to support local communities and government 
initiatives to address the risk, support our surrounding local 
communities and curb the spread of COVID-19. 

The  cash  preservation  initiatives,  cost  controls  and  effective 
capital  expenditure  allowed  the  Group  to  generate  positive 
cash  flows  and  achieve  a  net  cash  position  at  year  end  of 
US$34.6  million.  Cash  flow  management  remains  a  significant 
focus area to ensure financial and funding resilience to achieve 
the Group’s strategic objectives in the current uncertain times.

The  Group  reviews  its  capital  allocation  on  an  ongoing  basis, 
taking into account: 

• 

• 

• 

the Company’s cash resources;

 the level of free cash flow and earnings generated during 
the year; and 

 expected funding commitments for capital projects relating 
to the Group’s operational requirements. 

The  objective  remains  to  provide  a  return  on  investment  to 
shareholders  through  the  payment  of  a  cash  dividend;  to 
consider special dividends in the event of significant diamond 
recoveries; and to consider a share buyback programme should 
the opportunity arise.

FUTURE RESILIENCE
Gem Diamonds’ ability to operate effectively through the crisis 
and improve its cash position over the year reflects the resilience 
of our business model. The Group operates with a small head 
office complement that works very closely with the leadership 
and  operational  teams  at  Letšeng.  This  model  of  trust-based 
decision-making  proved  invaluable  during  the  long  periods 
when  certain  required  skills  and  individuals  were  unable  to 
travel to the operations and needed to rely on the knowledge 
and  experience  of  the  teams  on  site.  In  the  process,  the 
operational teams demonstrated the depth of future leadership 
available in the Group. 

The  strategic  focus  on  cost  management  and  maintaining 
consistent  operational  performance  enabled  the  Group  to 
largely achieve its targets despite the unprecedented challenges 
the year presented. Maintaining commitment to the principles 
of  the  BT  programme  ensured  that  cost  disciplines  were 
maintained  and  even  improved  during  2020,  supporting  the 
improved cash position at year end. 

The CFO and senior management worked very closely with our 
funders to ensure the Group’s debt structures remain resilient, 
efficient and appropriate. 

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202010

11

CHAIRPERSON’S STATEMENT

CHAIRPERSON’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

“The Group moved swiftly and resolutely during extremely challenging 
and uncertain circumstances.”
–  Harry Kenyon-Slaney  –

extensive efforts to ensuring that our Letšeng operation, which is 
a  significant  earner  of  foreign  currency  in  Lesotho,  was  able  to 
restart  operations  safely  and  in  line  with  the  strict  guidelines 
implemented  by  the  government.  This  twin-track  approach  
of contributing meaningfully to local priorities while continuing to 
operate the Letšeng mine directly aligns with our corporate vision. 

Despite  the  prolonged  absence  of  certain  required  skills  and 
individuals  during  the  lockdown,  our  operational  teams  made 
important  decisions  while  running  a  complex  and  technically 
demanding  process.  Their  ability  to  take  responsibility  and  act 
autonomously is testament to the work we have done to develop 
and empower our people. As it unfolded, the continued impact 
of  the  pandemic  required  management  to  take  urgent  and 
decisive action and make critical and difficult decisions across the 
Group to control costs, continue operations in a responsible and 
safe manner and stabilise the business. We are extremely grateful 
to the significant proportion of the workforce who agreed to take 
a  material  but  temporary  salary  cut,  with  no  decrease  in 
motivation, to support cash preservation in the Group. Following 
the positive sales results and cash flow generation in September, 
we were able to repay these salary cuts at an effective rate of 96% 
to all affected employees.

DIAMOND SUPPLY/DEMAND 
FUNDAMENTALS SUPPORT HIGHER PRICES
While there was significant uncertainty regarding the impact of 
COVID-19 on the diamond market at the start of the pandemic, 
apart from a relatively short initial period, demand for diamonds 
returned and prices achieved remained relatively strong. Supply 
has  been  affected  by  the  closure  of  Rio  Tinto’s  Argyle  mine, 
operational  and  COVID-19-related  production  interruptions  in 
various  major  producers  during  the  year,  and  the  closure  of 
some  smaller  mines.  China  has  emerged  from  the  pandemic 
well and continues to show signs of a return to strong economic 
growth. Rising living standards will continue to support China’s 
growth as a significant consumer of diamonds and especially of 
the large high-value diamonds produced by Letšeng. US stock 
markets, long seen as closely correlated with diamond demand, 
performed  well;  and  this  supported  the  progressively  more 

Dear shareholders,

On behalf of the Board, it gives me great pleasure to present the 
Gem Diamonds Annual Report and Accounts 2020. The Report 
and  Accounts  provide  an  overview  of  the  progress  we  have 
made in delivering on the Group’s strategic objectives in a year 
when the economic, social and personal lives of so many people 
and  organisations  have  been  profoundly  affected  by  the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

OUR VISION:
To support, develop and empower our employees so that 
they can benefit and develop in a company of which they 
are  proud,  we  can  make  a  meaningful,  sustainable 
contribution to the countries and communities in which we 
operate and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders.

Since its emergence as a problem of global significance in early 
2020,  the  COVID-19  pandemic  has  demanded  an  enormous 
amount of management time and effort. Our primary objective 
has been to ensure the safety and health of our employees, their 
families and the communities surrounding our operations as well 
as making a material contribution to Lesotho’s national effort to 
contain  the  spread  of  the  virus.  In  parallel,  however,  it  was 
imperative  that  economic  activity  continued  and  we  devoted 

SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE OPERATIONS
Workplace  safety  is  an  absolute  priority  for  the  Board  and 
management.  We  passionately  believe  it  is  possible  for  every 
employee to come to work and return home safely every day 
and we are constantly looking at improving our safety systems 
and processes to ensure this is achieved. We are pleased with 
the improvement in safety performance this year. 

The  Board  is  similarly  strongly  committed  to  environmental 
responsibility  and  I  am  pleased  to  report  that  there  were  no 
major  or  significant  environmental  incidents  reported  at  any  
of  our  operations  during  the  year.  Gem  Diamonds’  inclusion  
index  recognises  the  high  standards  
in  the  FTSE4Good 
of environmental, social and governance practices in place. 

During the year we launched the first rolling three-year cycle to 
further integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
into  the  Group’s  systems  and  processes.  The  project  aims  to 
embed  the  objectives  of  the  goals  in  our  decision-making  
and  thereby  further  enhance  Gem  Diamonds’  positive  impact  
in line with relevant UN recommendations.

GENERATING SUSTAINABLE RETURNS  
FOR OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The focus on cash generation and preservation during the year 
saw the Group move from a net debt position of US$10.2 million 
at the start of the year to a net cash position of US$34.6 million 
at year end. While some of the longer-term development capital 
expenditure was postponed, this represents a prudent approach 
to expenditure in a time of heightened uncertainty. 

In 
line  with  our  commitment  to  delivering  sustainable 
shareholder  returns,  the  Board’s  policy  is  to  pay  a  dividend  to 
shareholders when the financial strength of the Group permits. 

As a result of the Group’s strong cash generation during the year 
and  improved  financial  position,  the  Board  is  pleased  to 
recommend  that  a  dividend  of  2.5  US  cents  be  declared  in 
respect  of  the  2020  financial  year. The  Board  is  committed  to 
sustaining  shareholder  value  through  the  implementation  of 
appropriate dividend policies.  

positive economic outlook as the year drew to a close. India will 
emerge as an important polished diamond consumer market in 
the  medium  to  long  term  and  the  manufacturing  sector  is 
emerging from its COVID-19-related challenges.

CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY  
AND COUNTRY
At Gem Diamonds we regard ourselves as guests in the countries 
where we operate and we endeavour at all times to maintain 
strong and constructive relationships, both with the populace 
and with regional and national governments. We engage with 
government and local communities on a regular basis to seek 
mutually beneficial solutions to challenges that arise. We work 
closely  with  these  communities,  providing  both  financial  and 
practical support on a range of projects they consider important.

MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS FOR THE 
BOARD IN 2020:
1. 

 Ensuring sustainable operations, keeping employees 
and local communities safe and supporting the 
Lesotho Government during COVID-19 . 

2. 

 Ensuring delivery of the objectives of the BT 
programme. 

3.  Enhancing risk management systems and processes.

4. 

 Maintaining disciplined financial control to increase 
cash generation and repay debt.

5.  Considering an appropriate return to shareholders. 

GOVERNANCE TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE 
VALUE CREATION
The Group’s governance systems and processes performed well 
during  the  year.  While  face-to-face  contact  tends  to  lead  to 
deeper discussions of issues during and around Board meetings, 
the remote interaction necessitated by COVID-19 nevertheless 
proved effective. We have increased the time allocated for the 
quarterly  Board  and  Committee  meetings  to  allow  for  longer 
discussions,  which  facilitates  a  deeper  understanding  of  the 
issues. In addition, the Board added a stand-alone quarterly risk 
review meeting to ensure time is available for a detailed review 
and discussion of the Group’s key risks and to test management’s 
mitigating actions.

The appointment of an experienced non-Executive Director to 
take  responsibility  for  engaging  with  stakeholders  in  Lesotho 
has  proven  beneficial.  Mazvi  has  deep  local  knowledge  of 
political,  social  and  community  issues  in  Lesotho  and  the 
feedback  from  her  engagement  with  employees  provides 
valuable feedback to the Board to inform our decision-making. 

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202012

13

CHAIRPERSON’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

MARKET REVIEW

OUTLOOK
Although the supply/demand dynamics of the diamond market 
remain positive, particularly for the unique high-value diamonds 
produced  at  Letšeng,  our  immediate  concern  remains  the 
ongoing protection of our people from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
which  continues  to  cast  a  shadow  over  southern  Africa.  Our 
immediate priorities for 2021 therefore remain the provision of a 
safe operating environment for all our employees and support 
to  the  Lesotho  Government  in  securing  vaccines  for  our 
workforce and local communities. 

The work we did in prior years to reduce costs, lower overheads, 
streamline systems and improve efficiencies stood us in good 
stead in 2020 and has provided an excellent foundation for the 
year  ahead.  We  will  build  on  this  momentum  and  make  the 
most of the opportunities we have created through the BT and 
CI programmes. In addition, we need to unlock the commercial 
potential in the pioneering work being done to reduce diamond 
damage through our technology and innovation projects and 
to advance the use of blockchain technology in providing a full 
and  transparent  record  of  origin  for  every  diamond  produced  
at Letšeng.

FINAL REMARKS
I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their valuable 
and extensive contributions during the past year. On behalf of 
the Board, I would also like to thank our long-standing partners 
at  Letšeng,  the  Lesotho  Government,  and  the  leaders  of  our 
host communities, all of whom have helped us to navigate what 
has been a challenging year.

The Group’s management and employees deserve a special note of 
appreciation for their commitment and tenacity during 2020. The 
Group moved swiftly and resolutely during extremely challenging 
and uncertain circumstances to contain the spread and impact of a 
devastating pandemic that could have had an equally devastating 
impact on our business. I have been tremendously impressed by 
the  resilience  and  capability  of  management  and  employees 
throughout the organisation to run a technically, commercially and 
physically complex business, often with remote leadership. 

I  want  to  extend  my  condolences  to  the  families  and  friends  of 
colleagues who have lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic or 
related complications. The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and, 
at the time of writing, things continue to be extremely difficult in 
southern Africa. Until vaccinations have been rolled out to a large 
part of the population, we must remain extremely vigilant.

Harry Kenyon-Slaney
Chairperson
10 March 2021

Further recovery of the diamond market expected in 2021

THE DIAMOND MARKET IN SUMMARY
The unique supply/demand dynamics of the diamond industry 
drive  diamond  prices  through  a  balance  between  rough 
diamonds  recovered  and  consumer  demand  for  polished 
diamonds, primarily in the form of jewellery. The middle market 
sits between these poles of the diamond supply chain, buying 
rough  diamonds  from  the  mines  to  manufacture  for  sale  to 
jewellers,  who  subsequently  sell  to  retailers  and  finally 
consumers.  Global  economic  growth  and  disposable  income 
are key drivers of demand for diamonds, while supply is directly 
linked  to  the  economics  of  diamond  mining.  Prices  paid  for 
rough  diamonds  by  the  middle  market  that  fall  below  the 
production cost per rough diamond for extended periods will 
lead to mine closures and a resultant decrease in supply. Natural 
diamond resources are finite and will deplete over time. 

GLOBAL DEMAND TRENDS
Nearly  half  of  all  polished  diamonds  are  sold  in  the  US,  
with China, India, Japan and the Gulf States making up a further 
30% of demand. Demand is supported by the growing custom 
of  diamonds  used  in  bridal  jewellery  in  India  and  China, 
increased use of diamonds across a wider range of luxury goods, 
and  continued  growth  in  the  number  of  high-net-worth 
individuals worldwide.

Demand improved in the first two months of the year despite 
continued  concerns  around  global  economic  growth,  rising 
geopolitical  tensions  and  the  threat  of  a  US/Sino  trade  war. 
However,  the  onset  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  had  an 
immediate and significant negative impact across the diamond 
industry,  from  mining  to  retail,  with  restrictive  lockdown 
regulations 
in  many  countries  across  the  world,  travel 
restrictions,  uncertainty  around  economic  recovery  and  the 
threat of a second wave. 

Key  players  in  the  diamond  industry  opened  gradually  as 
lockdown  restrictions  eased,  in  particular  the  manufacturing 
sector  in  India,  the  largest  purchaser  of  rough  diamonds  for 
manufacturing, and jewellery stores across the globe. Following 
the 
the  second  quarter,  
major  jewellers  reported  a  remarkable  increase  in  sales  in  the 
second  half  of  the  year  with  many  retailers  adjusting  quickly  
to online sales.

immediate  drop 

in  sales 

in 

Generational shifts in consumer preferences reveal an emerging 
trend  of  demand  from  younger  consumers  for  diamonds 
produced  by  ethical  and  responsible  mining  companies 
committed to meaningful social benefit. Blockchain technology 
(read more on page 47) enables consumers to track the source 
of  diamonds  and  understand  the  corporate  citizenship 
demonstrated  by  producers  before  making  a  purchase.  
This  has  also  led  to  an  increase  in  luxury  jewellery  brands 
partnering directly with producers to enhance the value of the 
final  polished  product,  combining  sustainable  sources  and 
exclusive design.

GLOBAL SUPPLY TRENDS
Rough  diamond  production  is  believed  to  have  peaked  at  
in  2017  and  annual  global  diamond 
151  million  carats 
production 
is  expected  to  steadily  decrease  to  around  
110 million carats by 2030. However, supply in 2020 is estimated 
to have already fallen to 111 million carats due to a combination 
of planned mine closures, the closure of marginal mines due to 
the impact of COVID-19, suspension and slowdown of certain 
operations and the cancellation of scheduled sales, particularly 
by De Beers and Alrosa.

The lower than expected production of rough diamonds in 2020 
may  provide  an  opportunity  for  miners  such  as  De  Beers  and 
Alrosa to release some of their stockpile inventory into the market, 
which  would  offset  any  immediate  marked  reduction  in  rough 
diamond supply, especially in the commercial diamond industry. 

Depending  on  consumer  preferences  and  perceptions  the 
popularity of lab-grown diamonds may rise for fashion jewellery 
while  natural  diamonds  will  continue  to  be  in  demand  for 
momentous  occasions.  However,  the  potential  impact  on 
natural diamond demand and price is not yet fully understood. 
Lab-grown  diamonds  sell  at  a  significantly  lower  price  than 
natural diamonds and continue to take market share, especially 
in the smaller, lower-value, commercial diamond market. Gem 
Diamonds’  offering  is  focused  on  delivery  of  large,  high-value 
diamonds sought after by a different consumer group.

In the medium term, however, global rough diamond demand 
is still expected to remain steady against supply which is likely to 
decrease gradually as existing diamond mines age and deplete, 
and  lower  prices  put  additional  pressure  on  marginal  mines, 
with possible further mine closures. 

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202014

15

MARKET REVIEW CONTINUED

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

POSITIONING GEM DIAMONDS
Historically  the  prices  for  larger  high-quality  diamonds  have 
proved  more  resilient  to  market  pressures.  Diamonds  from 
Letšeng are at the top end of the market in terms of size, colour 
and  quality.  Diamonds  greater  than  10.8  carats  accounted  for 
81% of revenue in 2020 (2019: 75%) and exceptional recoveries 
during  the  year  include  a  439  carat  Type  IIa  white  diamond,  
a  183  carat  Type  IIa  white  diamond  and  a  166  carat  Type  IIa 
white diamond.

Letšeng achieved an average price of US$1 908 per carat during 
the year (2019: US$1 637), retaining its standing as the highest 
average  dollar  per  carat  kimberlite  diamond  producer  in  the 
world. A  record high of 16 diamonds greater than 100 carats 
were recovered in 2020 compared to 11 in 2019. 

REVENUE PERCENTAGE BY  
SIZE FRACTION (%)

for 

large  high-quality 
While  high-net-worth  customers 
polished  diamonds  tend  to  be 
less  affected  by  global 
economic  fluctuations,  polished  prices  came  under  pressure 
in the first half of the year as demand decreased following the 
onset of the pandemic. Prices achieved for the Letšeng goods 
in  the  second  half  of  the  year  recovered  strongly  to  levels 
higher  than  those  achieved  in  2019.  Factors  supporting  this 
increase 
increased 
demand  for  high-value  polished  diamonds  from  China  in 
particular,  reduced  availability  of  large  high-value  diamonds 
and depleted stock levels at manufacturers. 

improved  market  sentiment, 

include 

%

> 10 CTS

5 – 10 CTS

< 5 CTS

81

10

9

Understanding the views of stakeholders and shareholders  
has proven to be highly beneficial to the Group.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
The strength of the Group’s relationships with its stakeholders, 
particularly  employees,  regulators,  communities  and  society, 
secures  Gem  Diamonds’  social 
licence  to  operate.  This 
relationship relies on how effectively we manage issues such as 
ethics, labour practices, environmental and social responsibility, 
as well as our risk management and engagement activities with 
stakeholders.

Regular engagements with shareholders and other stakeholders 
provide relevant input for decision-making, promote the long-
term sustainability of the Group and enable our contribution to 
wider society. 

The  Gem  Diamonds  Board  is  responsible  for  stakeholder 
engagement  and  the  Chairperson  ensures  that  relevant 
stakeholder  views  and  strategic  issues  are  regularly  reviewed, 
clearly  understood  and  underpin  the  work  of  the  Board.  The 
views of shareholders and other key stakeholders are considered 
when  making  decisions  regarding  strategy,  remuneration 
policy, corporate social investment and other relevant matters.

The effectiveness of stakeholder engagement in the Group was 
included  in  the  2020  Board  evaluation  process.  Personal 
performance  objectives  that  determine  short-term  incentive 
bonuses  for  Executive  Directors 
include  a  weighting  for 
strengthening of key stakeholder relationships.

A stakeholder engagement strategy and programme is in place 
and Letšeng regularly engages with stakeholders in accordance 
with this strategy. 

MONITORING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The  Chairperson,  Senior  Independent  Director  and  Executive 
Directors engage regularly with shareholders and report back to 
the Board at the Board meetings. 

A  non-Executive  Director,  Mazvi  Maharasoa,  was  appointed  in 
2019 as the Board’s representative to engage with the broader 
workforce, and provides direct feedback to the Board on the key 
concerns  of  these  stakeholders.  This  has  proven  hugely 
successful in monitoring workplace culture during an extremely 
challenging year for our workforce and communities. 

At  Letšeng,  PACs  have  elected  community  representatives  
who  communicate  with  the  Corporate  Social  Responsibility 
Investment  (CSRI)  Committee  to  create  a  sustainable  and 
culturally effective link between communities and the mine. The 
community representatives sit on the CSRI subcommittee of the 
Board,  which  meets  quarterly  and  ensures  that  community 
members have a platform for relevant matters to be heard and 
the 
addressed.  These  meetings 
employment of PAC members and the effectiveness of current 
CSI  projects.  A  community  needs-analysis  was  scheduled  to 
take place in 2020 to inform Letšeng’s approach to current and 
future community development projects, however, COVID-19-
related lockdowns and restrictions have delayed this to 2021. 

include  discussions  on 

A community liaison officer (CLO) from Letšeng regularly visits 
and  engages  with  surrounding  communities,  government 
officials and community leaders. The CLO remains involved with 
our  community  projects,  adjusting  the  mine’s  continued  level  
of  involvement  based  on  the  maturity  and  sustainability  of  
each project. 

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202016

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

RESPONDING TO STAKEHOLDERS
The section that follows provides an overview of the Group’s key stakeholders, how we engage with them and how we respond to 
their concerns. 

Shareholders

Why this relationship  
is important to us

• 

 Shareholders are the owners of the Group and the Board is ultimately accountable to them for 
performance. The goal of our strategy is to maximise shareholder value in a sustainable manner

What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

 Shareholders and investors can provide funding for expansion opportunities

• 
•  Growth opportunities

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Desired return on investment

Balanced capital allocation

 Good governance and ethics

 Responsible environmental and social practices

 Liquidity and cost containment during COVID-19
 Direct access to the Chairperson and the Senior Independent Director

 Meetings with the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers

 Regular roadshows to engage with several of the Group’s larger investors 

 Investor relations, mandated to the Chief Legal and Commercial Officer

 Attendance at the AGM by directors

•  Annual and interim results presentations, and quarterly trading updates

•  Conferences

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

 The Company website

 The Annual Report and Accounts, and the Sustainability Report
 The 2020 AGM was run as a closed meeting to comply with COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings 

 Regular discussions were held around the impact of the pandemic on operations and 
mitigating actions

 More regular discussions were held on balancing capital allocation (see page 58)
 Engagement with a significant shareholder regarding their voting at the AGM (see below)

 Engagement on proposed 2021 remuneration policy amendments

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement

Material developments  
in 2020 

Engagements post the AGM 
At  the  Group  AGM  in  June,  the  proportion  of  votes  cast 
against Resolution 14 (Authority to allot shares), Resolution 15 
(The disapplication of pre-emption rights) and Resolution 16 
(The further disapplication of pre-emption rights) exceeded 
20%.  Following  the  AGM,  the  Company  sought  to  engage 
with shareholders who voted against these resolutions and 
established that such votes were primarily due to a standing 
policy on these matters of a significant shareholder.

The Board believes these Resolutions were appropriate given 
they  followed  the  provisions  of  the  Pre-emption  Group’s 
Statement of Principles for the disapplication of pre-emption 
rights  and  reflected  UK  listed  company  market  practice. 
Members of the Board and the Executive Management team 
have  engaged  with  the  significant  shareholder  and  will 
continue to do so regularly. 

Majority interest in shares
On 15 February 2021, the Company was notified of the following 
major interests (at or above 3%) in the issued ordinary shares of 
the Company in accordance with the DTR 5:

Shareholders

Sustainable Capital
Graff Investments Limited
Lansdowne Partners
Aberforth Partners
Gem Diamonds Holdings

Number of
ordinary shares

%
shareholding

30 836 759
20 861 931
19 231 938
13 762 340
9 325 000

22.1
15.0
13.8
9.9
6.7

There were no further updates to the date of this report. Changes 
in major interests in the Company are updated on the Company’s 
website as and when these occur. The shareholder base comprises 
139.6  million  issued  ordinary  shares  of  US$0.01  each. There  are 
institutional shareholders that hold 126.2 million shares (90%) and 
private shareholders who hold 13.4 million shares (10%).

Bankers, insurers and funders

Why this relationship  
is important to us

What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement

Material developments  
in 2020 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Providers of working capital facilities and long-term funding enable the Group to invest in 
capital projects and expansion opportunities
 Insurance allows the transfer of any potential financial implications of a risk materialising as 
part of the Group’s risk mitigation strategy 
 Responsible management of the Group’s financial position to ensure commitments are  
met as they fall due 
Liquidity and cost containment during COVID-19
Responsible environmental practices
Transparency in reporting potential issues in a timeous manner
 The finance department engages with bankers and funders on an ongoing basis regarding 
debt levels, compliance with covenants and debt renegotiations 
 The finance team at each operation engages with insurance brokering consultants around 
renewal anniversaries with oversight from Group Risk management 
 COVID-19 led to a significantly increased risk perception of the mining industry by banks, 
funders and insurers, resulting in tighter lending criteria, as well as increased exclusions, 
deductibles and premiums on insurance policies
 Aggregate limits are being imposed on insurance policies and Director and Officer (D&O) 
liability cover is becoming more difficult to secure
 Letšeng has submitted a business interruption claim for the 30-day shutdown period when 
the mine was required to be placed on care and maintenance
 The Group Revolving Credit Facility which expired in December 2020 was renegotiated

Review of capital requirements and considering and aligning appropriate debt facilities

 The Group was able to repay US$13.5 million of debt during the year and ended the year  
in a net cash position of US$34.6 million

 The Group has embarked on a comprehensive debt refinancing programme and has appointed 
Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking to act as the sole mandated lead arranger

Employees and contractors

Why this relationship  
is important to us

What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

•  Our employees and contractors make it possible to run our operations and execute our strategy

• 

• 

• 

 Gem Diamonds’ strength lies in the quality of the people who work at its operations. To attract 
and retain top talent, we must understand and address their needs
Fair treatment and remuneration

Safe working conditions during COVID-19

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement

Material developments  
in 2020 

•  Opportunities for advancement

•  Health and safety

• 
• 

• 

Skills development
Informal engagements on a daily basis

Visible felt leadership visits

•  Annual culture and engagement surveys

•  Quarterly Letšeng newsletter

•  Company intranet and website

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

Regular ‘toolbox talks’ with smaller shift teams
There was increased use of electronic communications and virtual meetings during lockdown

 Head office leadership was often unable to physically visit the operations due to travel 
restrictions and had to use virtual engagement channels
 The non-Executive Director appointed to oversee engagement with the workforce initiated 
meetings with an employee representative forum

 Strengthened the desired culture through the advancement of CI initiatives with a focus on 
skills development

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202018

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

Engagements with employees

Suppliers and business partners

In July, Ms Maharasoa held a virtual workforce engagement session with a representative group of employees at Letšeng to explain the 
role of the designated non-Executive Director responsible for employee engagement and to understand the key workforce concerns. 
The engagement indicated an appetite for increased engagement between the executive and the workforce as well as some operational 
concerns, which are as a matter of course dealt with during daily toolbox talks. Further clarification is required regarding the distinction 
between the Group Board and the Letšeng Board, and the function and purpose of the whistleblowing hotline. 

As a result the Board directed that a summary of the role of the designated non-Executive Director, together with the matters raised 
and the actions taken, was to be published in the Letšeng newsletter. The newsletter is published quarterly and will be used to 
communicate relevant employee engagement information. Feedback will also be provided at the Chief Operating Officer address 
once  COVID-19  protocols  related  to  gatherings  are  relaxed.  A  training  and  awareness  campaign  will  be  run  regarding  the 
whistleblowing hotline.

We conduct an annual employee culture survey to measure workplace culture, which enables the Board to explore the collective 
experience within the organisation and the prevalent patterns of behaviour. Metrics are in place to link the outcomes of the survey 
to our values and determine areas for future focus. The results of the 2020 survey indicated improvements in the areas which were 
in focus during 2020 and highlighted areas for further improvement. The Board will assess and monitor progress in these areas on a 
quarterly basis during 2021.

Customers

Why this relationship  
is important to us
What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement
Material developments  
in 2020 

• 

 Gem Diamonds’ relationship with its customers supports demand for its unique diamonds 
and helps to ensure the best prices are achieved

•  Availability of high quality diamonds

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

Regular and transparent tenders

The ability to tender safely during COVID-19

Responsible environmental and social practices

Sustainability of the business during COVID-19
Engagements at tenders

Electronic tender platform

Regular interactions in the normal course of business

•  Website communication and press releases
• 

Flexible tenders were introduced to ensure that sales could still take place

• 

• 

Six tenders were held in Antwerp, Belgium with one viewing in Tel Aviv, Israel

 Additional rough diamond analysis information of selected large high-value diamonds was 
provided to assist clients to make informed buying decisions even if they were not able to 
physically view the diamonds on tender due to travel restrictions

Why this relationship  
is important to us

What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement

Material developments  
in 2020 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

 Supply chain interruptions can disrupt operations, particularly where these affect critical 
equipment and spares 

Products and services represent a significant cost to the Group

Local procurement supports the local economy and the broader population of Lesotho
Fair payment terms

Local procurement opportunities

Responsible environmental and social practices

Sustainability of the business during COVID-19

• 
•  Ongoing interactions in the normal course of business

•  Annual contract negotiations

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

Renewals of service level agreements
  COVID-19-related national lockdowns and travel restrictions affected the availability of 
critical spares and maintenance for haul trucks and other critical equipment

 Procurement strategies have been enforced to ensure that orders of necessary spares, 
equipment, etc. are placed well in advance to minimise delays that might occur because  
of procurement backlogs
 We engaged extensively and transparently with contractors and suppliers regarding the 
shutdown of operations and required cost savings. Ongoing discussions ensured continued 
alignment and understanding, and supported the sustainability of all parties

 Engagements ensured transparency, fairness and consistency with respect to the treatment 
of the workforce, including that of our contractors

Regulators and government

Why this relationship  
is important to us

What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

•  Mining is a highly regulated industry and a good relationship with government is essential

• 

 The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho is a 30% shareholder in Letšeng, the Group’s 
flagship mine
•  Health and safety

•  Good governance and ethics

• 

Responsible environmental and social practices

•  Community investments

• 

Local employment and procurement

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement

Material developments  
in 2020 

•  Contribution to Lesotho GDP through dividends, royalties and tax contributions

Support for government COVID-19 priorities

• 
•  Ongoing engagements with regulators as required

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Regular engagements with government regarding planning and progress on community 
initiatives
 The Group engaged extensively with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho to provide 
support for COVID-19 relief efforts at a local and national level (see page 50)

 Regulations to contain the spread of COVID-19 were implemented in all countries of operation 
and the Group had to ensure that these protocols met the regulatory requirements as they 
evolved
 Engagements to have mining classified as an essential service to be able to reopen the 
Letšeng mine safely and responsibly

•  Working with government to provide facilities for COVID-19 testing

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202020

21

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

OUR STRATEGY

Project-Affected Communities

Why this relationship  
is important to us
What our stakeholders  
tell us they value 

• 

 Letšeng’s PACs play a vital role in the success of the operation and we are committed to 
ensuring that PACs benefit from the operation

•  CSI projects that improve access to education and skills development 

•  CSI projects to provide infrastructure and support local economic development

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Regular updates regarding progress on community projects

Responsible and safe mining, environmental and social practices

Local employment opportunities

Support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic
 Social and environmental impact assessments and community needs analyses identify the 
most pressing community concerns

Elected community representatives sit on the CSRI subcommittee of the Letšeng Board

 Letšeng’s CLO  regularly visits stakeholders such as surrounding communities, government 
officials and community leaders

 A grievance mechanism exists for PAC members to submit a grievance directly to mine 
management
 Community visits and mass meetings were cancelled in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 
restrictions. The operation relied on other forms of engagement, such as virtual meetings and 
regular telephonic contact with community leaders 
 Letšeng partnered with government to raise awareness regarding COVID-19, distribute 
personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitiser, and provide food parcels in local 
communities (see page 50)

Traditional channels  
of engagement 

COVID-19 impact  
on engagement

Material developments  
in 2020 

Gem Diamonds’ strategy aims to maximise stakeholder value in 
a  sustainable  manner.  The  strategy  aligns  with  the  Group’s 
purpose, vision and values, which provide a broader context to 
our business activities that emphasises the Group’s commitment 
to  creating  social  benefit  and  our  duty  to  be  responsible 
stewards of our natural resources.

The management team, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), 
develops the business strategy for the Group and presents it to 
the  Board,  which  reviews  and  approves  it.  The  strategy  is 
reviewed  each  year  against  developments  in  regulations, 
governance  requirements,  current  market  conditions  and  the 
short-, medium- and long-term outlook. Where necessary, the 
strategy is revised to adjust for these developments. 

Our strategy is underpinned by three key priorities which we 
believe will deliver maximum value for all stakeholders:

•  Extracting Maximum Value from Our Operations;
•  Working Responsibly and Maintaining Our Social Licence; and
•  Preparing for Our Future.

2020 STRATEGY REVIEW
The review in November 2020 assessed the strategy in the context of the impact of COVID-19 on the diamond market, industry peers 
and the Group’s operations. A range of options to create stakeholder value was considered, including technologies and diversification 
across assets, commodities, industries, business models and operating structures. We assessed a number of opportunities during the 
year and will continue to do so, engaging with stakeholders who may present compelling options to unlock value. Fundamentally our 
business model remains unchanged and is considered effective to support our strategic aspirations. The pandemic demanded a short-
term response to changing circumstances but did not affect our medium- to long-term strategic objectives.

The primary revenue and cost drivers set out in our business model (page 6) form the fundamentals of a mining business model and the 
resultant long-term strategy. The ability to remain as low as possible on the cost curve extracting the highest-quality diamonds to sell as 
effectively as possible remains the goal. Our agility to adjust tactics in the short to medium term contributes to protecting and preserving 
long-term fundamentals.

The  strategic  review  concluded  that  the  appropriate  short-  to  medium-term  priority  remains  maximising  value  from  our  Letšeng 
operation through three main focus areas:

Optimising the current 
operating model

We continue to implement and investigate new ways to improve our operating model to ensure 
we are operating efficiently and appropriately, particularly in the current market conditions.

Using early identification and 
anti-breakage technology

We  are  advancing  technology  that  shows  potential  to  improve  diamond  recovery,  reduce 
diamond damage and decrease costs through early identification of diamonds within kimberlite 
and a non-mechanical method of liberating diamonds from kimberlite. 

Reducing diamond damage

Reducing damage to diamonds from mining and processing activities remains a key focus to 
improve the prices we achieve for rough diamonds. This includes redesigning blasting patterns, 
and reduced processing throughput to improve plant stability through a more consistent feed 
rate with the aim of improving diamond recoveries.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202022

23

OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

The table below further defines our strategic objectives and links them to relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets.

Objective

Meaning

Measuring

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

•  Optimise operating model

• 

• 

Reduce diamond damage

Practise continuous improvement

•  Underlying EBITDA 
• 
• 
• 

Return on average capital employed
Basic earnings per share
 Cash generated from operating 
activities

•  Ore tonnes treated
•  Carats recovered
•  >20 carat diamond recoveries
•  Average US$ per carat achieved

2020 performance

Revenue and profit were affected by the lockdown and the impact of COVID-19 on operations and the diamond market. Proactive 
cash  preservation  measures  led  to  positive  cashflows  and  the  Group  ended  the  year  in  a  net  cash-positive  position  of  
US$34.6 million. The CFO report on page 36 discusses the Group’s financial performance and position. 

The BT programme remains on track to deliver the targeted US$100 million in revenue, productivity and cost savings by end 2021. The CI 
roll-out at Letšeng is progressing well. The BT and CI initiatives are discussed on page 46.

We continue to explore new sales channels, including a trial on four selected large high-value diamonds in a partnership agreement 
with a strategic manufacturer. Letšeng has earned an additional US$0.6 million (15% of the rough value) in the polished uplift on the 
sale of the resultant polished diamonds to date.

Revenue (US$ million)

Underlying EBITDA1 (US$ million)

Return on average capital employed (%)

190

2016

214

2017

267

2018

182

2019

190

2020

63

49

88

41

53

15

12

21

7

12

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Basic earnings per share (BEPS)
(pre-exceptional items) (US cents)

Cash generated from operating activities 
(US$ million)

Ore tonnes treated (million) 

13.0

2016

6.6

2017

22.9

2018

5.1

9.8

2019

2020

71

97

2016

2017

138

2018

55

96

2019

2020

6.9

6.5

6.5

6.7

5.4

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Carats recovered (thousand) 

>20 carat recoveries (number of diamonds)

US$ per carat achieved

149

2016

120

2017

127

2018

114

2019

101

2020

179

2016

213

2017

257

2018

252

2019

262

2020

1 720

2016

1 930

2017

2 131

2018

1 637

2019

1 908

2020

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for the definition of non-GAAP measures. 

Objective

Meaning

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

• 

 Promote a culture of zero harm and 
responsible care

•  Adopt six UN sustainability goals:

 – No poverty
 – Good health and well-being
 – Clean water and sanitation
 – Decent work and economic growth
 – Reduced inequalities
 – Responsible consumption and production

•  GIA – Blockchain

Measuring

• 

• 

Fatalities

LTIFR1

•  AIFR1

• 

 Major and significant 
environmental or community 
incidents

• 

Sustainability legal compliance

•  Community investment

• 

ISO certifications

2020 performance

The Group’s safety performance improved during the year with no fatalities and one LTI, resulting in a decrease in the LTIFR. The 
Group reported an AIFR of 0.76, the lowest AIFR for the Group in a decade. 

A Group-wide COVID-19 Detection and Management Protocol was put in place to ensure the welfare of employees, contractors and 
surrounding communities, and to curb the spread of COVID-19. 

There were no major environmental or community incidents during the year, nor any incidents of non-compliance. We continue to 
invest  in  local  communities  and  strengthen  our  relationships  with  our  key  stakeholders.  Refer  to  pages  48  and  50  for  more 
performance information on our social licence to operate.

It was the fourth consecutive year of receiving ISO 14001 and 45001 certifications and no incidents of structural instability regarding 
tailings or water storage facilities integrity were recorded during the year. 

Fatalities

LTIFR1  

AIFR1  

0

0

0

1

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

0.18

2016

0.04

2017

0.15

2018

0.28

2019

0.04

2020

1.93

2016

2.02

2017

1.45

2018

0.93

2019

0.76

2020

1  Measures the safety performance of the Group and includes contractors and expressed as a frequency rate per 200 000 man hours.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202024

25

OUR STRATEGY CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Objective

Meaning

Preparing for our future

• 

 Advance innovative technologies focusing  
on reducing diamond damage and reducing 
costs

•  Assess external growth opportunities

• 

Long term mine planning and optimisation

Measuring

•  Capital expenditure

•  Waste tonnes mined

• 

• 

Extending life of mine

 Mining in accordance with life  
of mine plan

•  Mergers and acquisitions

2020 performance

We  continue  to  investigate  technologies  for  reducing  diamond  damage  and  reducing  costs.  These  are  discussed  on  page  47.  
We reviewed opportunities to further optimise the mine plan for implementation in 2021. The Letšeng mining lease was successfully 
renewed in 2019 and implemented in 2020. We continue to assess external growth opportunities and during the year we evaluated 
and engaged in an opportunity which arose from a formal sales process.

Capital expenditure (US$ million)

Waste tonnes mined (million)

11

18

23

10

2

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

29.8

2016

29.7

2017

25.8

2018

24.0

2019

15.6

2020

Read more in the CEO review, page 33, CFO review, page 36, and Operational review page 43.

Governance

Responsibility

HOW WE APPROACH RISK
The  Group’s  risk  management  framework  aims  to  identify,  manage  and  mitigate  the  risks  and  uncertainties  to  which  the  Group  is 
exposed.  Effective  risk  management  and  mitigation  reduce  the  likelihood  that  financial,  operational  and  compliance  impacts  could 
materially affect the Group’s performance, reputation and long-term growth. 

The  risk  management  framework  combines  top-down  and  bottom-up  approaches  with  appropriate  governance  and  oversight,  as 
shown in the table below.

Oversight

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The  Board  is  responsible  for  risk  management  in  the  Group  and  provides  stakeholders  with 
assurance  that  key  risks  are  properly  identified,  assessed,  mitigated  and  monitored. The  Board 
maintains a formal risk management policy for the Group and evaluates the effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management process accordingly. It confirms that the process is accurately aligned 
to the Group’s strategy and performance objectives.

Top-down approach –  
sets the risk appetite and 
tolerances, strategic 
objectives and 
accountability for the 
management of the 
framework

AUDIT COMMITTEE
The  Audit  Committee  monitors  the  Group’s 
risk management processes, reviews the status 
of risk management, and reports on a biannual 
basis.  It  is  responsible  for  addressing  the 
corporate  governance  requirements  of  risk 
for  monitoring  each 
management  and 
operational site’s performance.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
The 
Sustainability  Committee  provides 
assurance  to  the  Board  that  appropriate 
systems  are  in  place  to  identify  and  manage 
health, safety, social and environmental risks. It 
monitors  the  Group’s  performance  within 
these  categories  and  drives  proactive  risk 
mitigation  strategies  to  secure  the  social 
licence to operate in the future.

MANAGEMENT
Management  is  accountable  to  the  Board  for  developing,  implementing,  communicating  and 
monitoring risk management processes and integrating them into the Group’s day-to-day activities. 
It identifies risks affecting the Group, including internal and external, current and emerging risks. It 
implements appropriate risk responses consistent with the Group’s risk appetite and tolerance.

GROUP INTERNAL AUDIT
Group  Internal  Audit  formally  reviews  the  effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  risk  management 
processes. The outputs of risk assessments are used to compile the strategic three-year rolling 
and annual internal audit coverage plan and evaluate the effectiveness of controls.

Bottom-up approach –  
ensures a sound risk 
management process 
and establishes formal 
reporting structures

Prior to 2020, risk was an agenda item in Board meetings, but 
from  the  start  of  2020  a  stand-alone  risk  review  meeting  was 
added to the quarterly Board and Committee meetings to allow 
sufficient  time  to  explore  the  risks  fully  and  to  assess 
management’s  scenarios  and  plans.  The  Board  reviews  the  
risk  register  and  interrogates  the  most  critical  risks  in  detail, 
debating mitigating plans with management. 

Risk Management Framework
The Board and its Committees have identified the most material 
risks  facing  the  Group,  including  strategic,  operational  and 
external risks, both current and emerging. These risks are actively 
monitored  and  managed  as  their  impact,  individually  or 
collectively, could affect the Group’s ability to operate profitably 
and generate positive cash flows in the medium to long term. 
The  risk  disclosures  follow  guidelines  from  the  IIRC’s   
Framework  to  clarify  the  distinction  between  inherent  and 
residual risk, indicate risk movements, and link the areas of the 
business model and strategy to each risk.

While Gem Diamonds’ risk management framework focuses on 
risk identification and mitigation, many factors that give rise to 

these risks also offer opportunities. The Group monitors existing 
and  emerging  opportunities  and  incorporates  them  into  the 
strategy where they support the Group’s vision.

implications  of  external  macro  risks  and 

How COVID-19 made us re-evaluate risk
COVID-19  has  increased  the  emphasis  on  identifying  the 
possible 
low-
probability/high-consequence  events  to  inform  appropriate 
contingency plans. These risks can be mitigated by ensuring we 
continue  to  build  resilience  and  flexibility  into  our  leadership 
and  operational  processes  and  our  leaders  are  equipped  to 
quickly  quantify  the  size  and  scale  of  the  emerging  issue  and 
adapt accordingly. 

Insurance  cover  is  an  important  aspect  of  risk  mitigation.  
It transfers potential financial implications due to any primary risk 
of  the  Group  materialising.  The  COVID-19  pandemic  led  to  an 
increased  risk  perception  in  the  insurance  market  as  a  result  of 
increasing  claims  and  a  declining  premium  pool.  Insurers  have 
decreased their exposure to the mining industry. As a result, the 
renewal  of  appropriate  insurance  has  become  challenging 
leading  to  additional  exclusions,  reduced  cover,  increasing 
deductibles/excesses payable and increasing premiums. 

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27

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

Although insurance cover does not eliminate the operational controls needed to manage and mitigate risk, it offsets the potential 
financial loss should the risk materialise. Reduced cover consequently directly impacts the Group’s cash management risk.

The Group is considering various options to minimise risk in the absence of insurance cover, including a self-insurance structure and 
enhanced business continuity procedures. 

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

Risk type

Operational

Operational

Strategic and operational Operational

Operational and external

Operational and external

External

Operational and external

Description

Cash management

Diamond damage

Knowledge of the resource

Security of product

Impact

Reduced cash flows may 
negatively affect the Group’s 
ability to effectively operate,  
repay debt and fund capital 
projects.

The risk is directly impacted by 
other principal risks such as rough 
diamond demand and prices, 
diamond damage, knowledge  
of the resource, security of 
product and the detrimental 
effect of COVID-19 on all  
spheres of the business.

Letšeng’s valuable Type II 
diamonds are highly susceptible 
to damage during the mining  
and recovery process. This affects 
the demand for the Group’s large 
high-value diamonds and the 
prices achieved resulting in 
reduced cashflow and profitability.

Letšeng’s low-grade orebodies  
(average carats recovered per tonne  
of ore processed) and its dependence 
on the regular recovery of large 
high-quality diamonds make the 
operation sensitive to resource 
variability. Mineral resource 
underperformance could affect the 
Group’s ability to operate profitably.

Theft is an inherent risk in the diamond 
industry. The high-value nature of  
the product at Letšeng could result  
in theft and significant losses which 
would negatively affect revenue  
and cash flows.

Opportunity  
if managed

Cash constraints drive more 
efficient capital expenditure  
and cost disciplines.

Improvements to blasting 
techniques and the introduction 
of new technology can reduce 
damage, thereby improving  
value recovered.

Improving knowledge of the orebody 
through bulk sampling, geological 
mapping and ahead of face drilling 
supports effective forecasting and the 
ability to plan accurately and optimally, 
which will improve operating 
efficiencies and cash flows.

Advanced security control measures 
increase employee and product safety 
and improve revenue.

Key priorities

Area of business  
model affected

• 

 Funding the business model

Mitigation

• 

• 

• 
• 
• 

 Reassessment of capital 
expenditure and operational 
strategies
 Treasury management 
practices in place 
•  Weekly cashflow reviews
• 
 Foreign exchange 
management
Access to available facilities
Delivering of BT targets
 Regular review of the mine 
plan to optimise cash flow 
and to identify rescheduling 
opportunities
 Early engagement with 
lenders to renew facility 
agreements
 The ability to reduce 
operating costs in times  
of uncertainty

• 

• 

Heatmap key

1

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

2

 Increased diamond pricing
 Outputs of carats recovered
 Reduced financial inputs
 Increased financial outputs

 Continuous diamond 
damage monitoring and 
analysis to identify 
opportunities to reduce 
diamond damage
 Breakage and value loss studies 
at the mine and in Antwerp
 Optimisation of blast design 
and fragmentation results
 Online system in place to 
monitor plant parameters and 
evaluate trends within the 
treatment process
 Evaluation of new 
technology to detect 
diamonds within kimberlite
 Review and update of current 
diamond breakage initiative 
plan and implementation of 
diamond damage project plan
 On-mine Diamond Value 
Management Committee to 
oversee and drive the focus of 
overall value recovery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

3

Outputs of carats recovered
Increased financial outputs
 Human capital and safety 
outcomes

 Advanced security access control 
and surveillance system in place, 
complemented by off-site 
surveillance
 Zero tolerance on nonconformance 
to policy and regulations
 Monitoring of security process 
effectiveness by the Diamond 
Recovery Protection Committee  
(a subcommittee of the Letšeng 
Board) 
 Appropriate diamond specie 
insurance cover in place
 Regular vulnerability assessments 
complemented with internal and 
independent third-party 
assurance audits undertaken

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Natural capital inputs and outputs 
of carats recovered
 LoM affects the long-term viability 
of the business model

 Furthering orebody knowledge 
through various bulk sampling 
programmes, combined with 
geological mapping and 
modelling methods
 Improving confidence in ore 
volumes and grades per rock type 
through grade control, reduced  
ore blending, increased bulk 
sampling, measuring (density  
and moisture content), regularly 
updating geological models, 
monitoring and controlling 
external and internal dilution  
and waste rafts and focusing  
on waste management
 Improving understanding  
of diamond populations,  
size frequency distribution  
and value profiles per kimberlite 
type through rigorous daily  
and monthly data plotting  
and trend analysis

Information Technology (IT)  
and Operational Technology (OT) 
systems, and cybersecurity

The Group’s operations rely on secure IT 
and OT systems to process and record 
financial and operating data in its 
information management systems. If these 
systems are compromised, there could be 
a material adverse impact on the Group.

Detrimental effect of COVID-19 on 
all spheres of the business

Rough diamond demand  
and prices

COVID-19 not only caused infections and 
deaths worldwide but also wreaked havoc 
on the mining sector, leading to the 
closure of mines and marketing channels 
during the global lockdowns.

Gem Diamonds’ main priority is the 
welfare of its employees, contractors and 
all those around its operations and 
corporate offices. The Company is taking 
all necessary precautions to protect its 
people and to ensure the sustainability  
of the business.

IT solutions such as machine learning and 
artificial intelligence could provide an 
opportunity to assess mining and 
processing practices, which could improve 
efficiencies and diamond recoveries.

Technologies such as blockchain offer 
opportunities to create value in the 
Group’s sales and marketing channels  
(see page 47).

Successfully navigating the crisis improves  
the Group’s competitive position. Closure  
of marginal mines reduces supply of rough 
diamonds and could support diamond prices.

Ensuring we protect the wellbeing of our 
employees and contractors and playing an 
active role in community and government 
initiatives, we strengthen our relationships 
with these key stakeholders.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Entire business model

 Application of technical and process 
IT controls in line with industry-
accepted standards
 Appropriate back-up procedures  
in place
 Firewalls and other appropriate 
security applications in place
 Regular testing of back-up 
restorations 
 Consultations with professional 
external advisers when needed to 
better understand evolving risks and 
any mitigating factors to be 
implemented
IT management policies

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Entire business model

 Detection and prevention strategies 
developed and implemented at all 
mines and offices
 Various flexible strategies available  
for a successful tender process
 Cash preservation, cost management 
and cash flow planning initiatives  
in place
 Ongoing negotiations with bankers 
to ensure access to facilities on a 
needs basis
 COVID-19 protocols to minimise 
disruptions as a result of infection 
and procurement strategies to 
ensure availability of spares, 
equipment, etc.
 Community initiatives including 
provision of PPE and food parcels, 
awareness programmes and ongoing 
training and support

Numerous factors beyond the control of 
the Group may affect the price and 
demand for diamonds. These factors 
include international economic and 
political trends, as well as consumer trends. 
Even though the medium- to long-term 
demand is forecast to outpace supply, in 
the short term the prevailing climate of 
global economic uncertainty and liquidity 
constraints within the diamond sector is 
causing pressure in rough diamond pricing. 
These trends are discussed on page 13 and 
directly affect Gem Diamonds’ cash flows 
and EBITDA and its ability to fund 
operations, projects and growth plans.

Additional viewings in new areas could 
introduce new clients and improve prices 
realised. New channels to market could 
increase the price the Group achieves on 
certain diamonds.

Funding the business model

Sales and marketing activities

Chosen distribution channels

 Monitoring of market conditions  
and trends
 Flexibility in sales processes and 
utilisation of multiple sales and 
marketing channels, and increased 
viewing opportunities
Virtual viewing opportunities
 Ability to enter into partnership 
agreements with manufacturers  
to share in the upside of the  
polished diamonds
 Maintaining the integrity of the 
tender process
 Reduction in supply in the market 
with greater demand for Letšeng 
goods caused by current offtake 
agreement between a diamond 
trader and a mine 
 Reduced sales opportunities in  
2020 resulting in decreased supply  
of high-value diamonds 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

7

Decreased

Production interruption

Material mine and/or plant shutdowns or 
periods of decreased production could arise 
due to various events. These events could 
lead to personal injury or death, 
environmental impacts, damage to 
infrastructure and delays in mining and 
processing activities and could potentially 
result in financial losses and possible legal 
liability.

The Group relies on the use of external 
contractors in its mining and processing 
activities. Disputes with these contractors 
could materially impact the Group’s 
operations.

Operating at or near steady-state levels 
improves efficiencies due to stability  
of production.

Focused contract management impacts 
positively on cash generation through 
improved procurement and contract 
renegotiation practices.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

 Reduced operational activity could 
lead to a decline in financial capital 
and outputs

 Negative outcomes decline natural 
and human capital

 Continuous review of business 
continuity plans
 Bespoke contract management role 
fulfilled to ensure proper contract 
management and minimise potential 
for disputes and disruptions
 Appropriate insurance maintained
 Appropriate levels of resources 
maintained (fuel, stockpiles, etc.)  
to mitigate certain production 
interruptions
 Improvements implemented  
in the management of contractors’ 
procurement practices.

8

Increased

Risk exposure

Increased

Unchanged

Unchanged

4

Increased

5

Increased

6

New risk

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

29

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

Risk type

Strategic

Strategic and operational

External and operational

Strategic and operational

Strategic and operational

Strategic and operational

External

Description

Limited opportunities for growth

Workforce

Environmental

Social licence to operate

Health and safety

Impact

The volatility of the Group’s share price and  
lack of growth negatively impacts the Group’s 
market capitalisation. Constrained cash flows 
also add pressure on returns to shareholders. 
The Group currently relies on a single mine  
for its revenues, profits and cash flows.

Achieving the Group’s objectives and sustainable 
growth depends on the ability to attract and 
retain key suitably qualified and experienced 
personnel. Gem Diamonds operates in an 
environment and industry where shortages  
in experience and skills are prevalent, and in 
jurisdictions with localisation policies.

Opportunity  
if managed

Focusing on existing operations could unlock 
further value through rationalisation and 
efficiency improvements.

Skills retention and continuous improvement 
initiatives build the Group’s human capital  
and can create a competitive advantage.

Climate and environmental issues, such as  
the recent dam failures reported by other 
companies, are recognised as top global risks  
by the World Economic Forum and investors  
are increasingly focused on environmental 
performance. Failure to manage climate and 
environmental issues will impact on compliance 
to mining lease and debt facility agreements. 

Environmental regulations, pressure from 
surrounding communities and failure to manage 
vital natural resources can affect the Group’s 
ability to operate sustainably.

Responsible environmental stewardship improves 
relationships with regulators and communities 
while strengthening our brand. Increased investor 
focus on environmental responsibility could 
translate into a competitive advantage.

Gem Diamonds’ social licence to  
operate arises from the approval of its 
stakeholders, particularly employees, 
regulators, project- affected communities 
and society, to conduct its business.  
This approval is an outcome of the way the 
Group manages issues such as ethics, 
labour practices and sustainability in our 
wider environment, as well as our risk 
management and engagement activities 
with stakeholders.

The risk that a major health or safety 
incident, such as a dam failure, may occur 
within the Group is inherent in mining 
operations. These risks could impact the 
wellbeing of employees, project- affected 
communities, our licence to operate, the 
Company’s reputation and compliance 
with its mining lease agreement.

Realising the Group’s vision to make a 
meaningful and sustainable contribution to 
the countries in which we operate builds 
Gem Diamonds’ reputation with 
employees, government, regulators, 
communities and investors.

Improving employee health and wellness 
can increase morale, reduce absenteeism 
and improve productivity. Ensuring that 
effective safety policies and processes are 
in place reduces risk to our workforce, 
strengthens our relationships with 
employees and regulators, and 
safeguards the Group’s reputation.

Sustainability of Business 
Transformation

The BT process identified savings and 
efficiencies of US$100 million over  
four years from 2018, with ongoing 
sustainable benefit of US$30 million  
per annum from 2022 onwards.  
The sustainability of the BT benefit is 
highly dependent on organisational 
health, change management, skills, 
workforce motivation and behaviour  
and contract renegotiations.

Failure to sustain the savings identified 
could impact the Group’s cash resources.

Delivery of the BT target improves cash 
flow and credibility and positions the 
Group ahead of the industry.

Currency volatility

The Group receives its revenue in  
US dollars, and costs are incurred  
in the local currency of the countries  
in which the Group operates.

Exchange rate volatility between these 
currencies and the US dollar impacts  
the Group’s profitability and cash flow.

Earning capability in currencies stronger 
than currencies in which operational 
costs are incurred results in maximum 
financial benefit to Letšeng.

 Human, intellectual and financial capital 
inputs into the business model

• 

 Natural capital inputs into the business 
model and negative outcomes in the case 
of environmental incidents

Key priorities

Area of business  
model affected

• 

Entire business model

Mitigation

Group strategy review performed with 
objective of improving the share price through:

• 
• 

• 

Delivering the BT target
Advancing early identification and 
anti-breakage technology
 Assessing M&A and diversification 
opportunities

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Human resources practices are designed  
to identify skills shortages and implement 
development programmes and succession 
planning for employees
 Incentives are in place to retain key 
individuals through performance-based 
bonuses and long-term share awards
 Remuneration Committees are set up at a 
GDL and Letšeng level. They review current 
remuneration policies, skills and succession 
planning

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Appropriate sustainability and 
environmental policies, subject to 
continuous improvement review, 
implemented
 Behaviour-based care programme, which 
instils environmental stewardship, 
implemented
 Climate change adaptation plan 
implemented
 Dam safety management framework 
implemented
 Annual social and environmental 
management plan (SEMP) audit 
programme implemented
ISO 14001 accreditation obtained
UN SDG framework adopted
 Rehabilitation and closure management 
strategy adopted and updated annually
•  Water management framework completed
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

 Concurrent rehabilitation strategy 
implemented
 Group shared natural resources 
management strategy implemented

• 

11

Decreased

Heatmap key

9

Risk exposure

New risk

10

Decreased

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

• 

• 

• 

 Financial capital inputs and 
outcomes

 A framework to enter into 
short-term hedging instruments  
is in place
 Appropriate treasury management 
procedures are in place

Entire business model

Dedicated BT task team
 Ongoing monitoring through 
regular review meetings
 Delivered US$79 million to date, 
with medium/low risk of delivering 
remaining balance
 CI roll out commenced at Letšeng 
with pilot in the Mining department 
completed

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

 Social capital and viability of 
business model

 Appropriate health, safety and 
sustainability policies in place  
which are subject to continuous 
improvement reviews
 Appropriate CSI spend catered  
for within the new mining lease 
agreement
UN SDG framework adopted
 Regular engagement with  
relevant Government  
Department Ministries
 Dam safety management 
framework implemented

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

 Social, relational and human  
capital and viability of business 
model if outcomes are negative

 Appropriate health and safety 
policies and practices, subject  
to continuous improvement 
reviews, implemented
 Corrective actions identified from 
incident investigations and internal 
and external audits implemented 
timeously
 Dam safety management 
framework implemented
ISO 45001 accreditation obtained
  Verification module developed  
for the Electronic Business 
Management System that will 
improve management and 
implementation of recommended 
corrective actions
 Safety management and leadership 
programme (focusing on 
behaviour-based safety culture) 
implemented

12

Decreased

13

Unchanged

14

Decreased

15

Decreased

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

31

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES CONTINUED

VIABILITY STATEMENT

The  graphics  below  show  the  change  in  likelihood  and  impact  scenarios  pre-mitigation  (inherent  risk 
(residual risk 
with a greater impact is considered more important than a matter with a higher likelihood.

)  and  post-mitigation  
). The order of importance was established taking guidance from the IIRC’s  Framework, where a material matter  

14

HIGH

D
O
O
H
I
L
E
K

I
L

2

3

6

9

1

5

8

13

4

7

12

10

11

HIGH

D
O
O
H
I
L
E
K

I
L

9

10

11

1

2

3

12

13

4

5

14

15

6

7

8

LOW

IMPACT

HIGH

LOW

IMPACT

HIGH

EMERGING RISKS

The assessment of emerging risks is embedded within the risk 
management function of the Group. Emerging risks identified 
during these assessments are reported to the subsidiary boards 
on  a  structured  quarterly  basis  and  to  the  corporate  office  as 
they are identified.

Management  evaluates  emerging  risks  and  presents  them  to 
the Board for consideration and evaluation.

Emerging risks are risks that:

• 

 are likely to materialise or impact over a longer time frame 
than existing risks;

•  do not have much reference from prior experience; and

• 

 are likely to be assessed and monitored against 
vulnerability, velocity and preparedness when determining 
likelihood and impact.

The current emerging risks on the Group’s radar are:

• 

• 

• 

• 

lab-grown diamonds (16);

 generational shifts in consumer preferences –  
social influencers (17);

 the rate of advancement of digital technologies such as 
blockchain (18); and

future workforce (automation, skills for the future, etc.) (19).

Based  on  an  inherent  risk  ranking  over  the  medium-  to  long-
term time horizon we rank their importance as: 

HIGH

D
O
O
H
I
L
E
K

I
L

16

18

17

19

LOW

IMPACT

HIGH

The Board has assessed the viability of the Group over a period 
significantly  longer  than  12  months  from  the  approval  of  the 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  the  UK  Corporate 
Governance  Code.  The  Board  considers  three  years  from  the 
approval  of  the  financial  statements  to  be  the  most  relevant 
period for consideration for this assessment, given the Group’s 
current position and the potential impact of the principal risks 
documented on pages 25 to 30 that could impact the Group’s 
viability.

While  the  Group  maintains  a  full  business  model,  based 
predominantly  on  the  life  of  mine  (LoM)  plan  for  Letšeng,  the 
Group’s annual business and strategic planning process also uses a 
three-year time horizon. This process is led by the CEO and involves 
all  relevant  functions 
including  operations,  technology  and 
innovation,  sales  and  marketing,  finance,  treasury  and  risk.  The 
Board participates in the annual review process through structured 
Board meetings and annual strategic sessions. A three-year period 
provides  sufficient  and  realistic  visibility  in  the  context  of  the 
industry  and  environment  in  which  the  Group  operates,  even 
though the LoM, the mining lease tenure and available estimated 
reserves exceed three years.

The  business  and  strategic  plan  reflects  the  Directors’  best 
estimate  of  the  Group’s  prospects.  The  Directors  evaluated 
several  additional  scenarios  to  assess  the  potential  impact  on 
the Group by quantifying their financial impact and overlaying 
this on the detailed financial forecasts in the plan.

The Board’s assessment of the Group’s viability focused on the 
critical principal risks categorised within the strategic, external 

and  operational  risk  types,  together  with  the  effectiveness  of 
the potential mitigations that management reasonably believes 
would be available to the Company over this period.

The  Group’s  credit  facilities  (excluding  project  term  loans)  total 
US$70.8  million  when  fully  unutilised,  with  US$34.0  million 
expiring  on  18  July  2021,  US$30.0  million  expiring  on  
31  December  2021  and  the  balance  of  US$6.8  million  being  a 
general  banking  facility  with  no  set  expiry  date  (refer  Note  18, 
Interest-bearing  loans  and  borrowings).  The  Group’s  viability 
assessment  assumes  that  these  facilities  will  be  successfully 
restructured, and their expiry dates extended, based on advanced 
discussions with lenders and previous successful renewals. 

COVID-19
Uncertainty exists around the ongoing impact of the pandemic 
on the Group. The Group is in a good position to mitigate the 
impact  of  any  operational  disruption  that  may  be  caused  by 
potential  further  COVID-19-related  lockdowns.  International 
travel  restrictions  could  have  an  impact  on  the  frequency  of 
diamond  tenders  and  the  ability  to  generate  revenue  on  its 
regular tender cycles.

STRESS TESTS
The scenarios tested considered the Group’s revenue, EBITDA1 , 
cash  flows  and  other  key  financial  ratios  over  the  three-year 
period. The scenarios tested included the compounding effect of 
the factors below and were applied independently of each other.

Effect

A  decrease 
in  forecast  rough 
diamond  revenue  from  reduced 
market  prices  or  production 
volumes

Extent of 
sensitivity analysis

Related principal risks

Area of business model affected

32% • 

 Rough diamond demand  
and prices

• 

• 

• 

Production interruption

Knowledge of the resource

 Detrimental effect of COVID-19 
on all spheres of the business

• 

 Entire business model i.e. 
inputs, activities, outputs and 
outcomes

A strengthening of local currencies 
to  the  US  dollar  from  expected 
market forecasts

32% •  Currency volatility

• 

 Detrimental effect of COVID-19 
on all spheres of the business

• 

 Financial capital inputs and 
outcomes

The Group’s current net cash2 position of US$34.6 million as at 31 December 2020 and available facilities of US$60.8 million would enable 
it to withstand the impact of these scenarios over the three-year period. This position is supported by the cash-generating nature of the 
Group’s core asset, Letšeng, and its flexibility in adjusting its operating plans within the normal course of business.

Based on the robust assessment of the principal risks, prospects and viability of the Group, the Board confirms that it has a reasonable 
expectation  that  the  Group  will  be  able  to  continue  in  operation  and  meet  its  liabilities  as  they  fall  due  over  the  three-year  period  
ending March 2024.

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for the definition of non-GAAP measures.
2  Net cash is calculated as cash and short-term deposits less drawndown bank facilities (excluding asset-based finance facility and insurance premium financing).

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202032

33

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

PERFORMANCE 
REVIEW

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

“In the face of the significant disruption caused by COVID-19,  
the fundamentals of Gem Diamonds’ business remain sound  
and our strategy intact.”
– Clifford Elphick –

The quick return to production, Letšeng’s top-quality diamonds 
and our excellent relationships with our customers allowed us 
to  sell  diamonds  and  generate  revenue  when  many  other 
producers  could  not.  Despite  the  pressure  on  the  diamond 
market, these factors helped us to achieve a 17% higher overall 
average price per carat than in 2019.

Most of the BT cost-efficiency initiatives are now fully embedded 
in day-to-day operations and the CI initiative is being rolled out. 
The  changed  working  conditions  during  COVID-19  and 
extensive  engagements  with  our  contractors  and  suppliers 
identified additional efficiencies and new ways of working that 
helped  to  further  reduce  costs,  which  contributed  to  strong 
operating cashflows. It is pleasing to announce that the Board 
has recommended a dividend of 2.5 US cents.

While  we  are  pleased  with  the  Group’s  performance  for  the 
year in the face of these challenges, we are deeply saddened 
and  offer  our  condolences  to  the  families  of  the  seven 
employees who passed away to date from suspected COVID-
19-related complications.   

STRATEGIC FOCUS: WORKING RESPONSIBLY 
AND MAINTAINING OUR SOCIAL LICENCE
The  Group’s  COVID-19 
included  a  significant 
response 
contribution to ensuring the health of members of surrounding 
communities  and  supporting  the  Lesotho  Government’s 
programmes, as described on page 50. 

We aim to create and sustain a workplace safety culture that is 
underpinned by a deep sense of mutual care and collaboration 
across the workforce. We are pleased with the improvement in 
our safety statistics this year but remain diligent in implementing 
our safety protocols in line with our commitment to promoting 
a  culture  of  zero  harm  and  responsible  care.  There  were  no 
fatalities and one LTI during the year, compared to one fatality 
and seven LTIs in 2019. The Group-wide LTIFR decreased to 0.04 
(2019: 0.28) and the lowest AIFR in a decade was recorded. 

In the face of the significant disruption caused by COVID-19, the 
fundamentals  of  Gem  Diamonds’  business  remain  sound  and 
our strategy intact. Despite the extreme uncertainty at the start 
of the pandemic the fast and decisive action we took, combined 
with the organisational improvements of the last few years and 
strong stakeholder relationships, supported a good operational 
performance, strong cash flows and an improved financial cash 
position at the end of the year. 

Our first priority was to make sure our people were safe. We took 
the  potential  threat  to  their  health  extremely  seriously  and 
acted  quickly  to  do  what  we  could  to  protect  them,  which 
included immediately establishing a testing laboratory on site at 
Letšeng. 

Following the Lesotho Government’s lockdown order, as soon 
as  it  was  safe  to  restart  operations  and  we  had  the  necessary 
authorisations, we worked hard to get back to full production as 
fast as we could. We managed to ramp up well ahead of many 
operations  in  similar  positions,  greatly  reducing  the  loss  of 
production.  This  success  was  in  no  small  part  due  to  the  in-
country  skills  and  expertise  we  have  developed  at  Letšeng, 
since  certain  required  skills  and  individuals  were  unable  to 
physically be at the mine. 

Gem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional information34

35

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

(TSFs),  which  are  designed  and  managed 

Our  strategic  focus  on  working  responsibly  includes  our 
commitment to environmental responsibility, which is discussed 
in detail on pages 48 to 50. A rigorous ongoing monitoring and 
management  programme  is  in  place  to  ensure  any  risks 
regarding  Letšeng’s  freshwater  dam  and  two  tailings  storage 
facilities 
to 
international  best  practice,  are  timeously 
identified  and 
mitigated.  We  are  currently  assessing  our  TSF  management 
process  against  the  Global  Industry  Standard  on  Tailings 
Management  launched  in  August  2020  and  developing  an 
action plan to ensure conformance. A technical visit to the mine 
was undertaken in November 2020 by an independent expert 
and  the  compilation  of  a  draft  Independent  Tailings  Review 
Board (ITRB) structure and Terms of Reference is underway. 

Supporting local communities and contributing 
to national priorities
Gem Diamonds invests in surrounding communities to improve 
educational  outcomes,  develop  infrastructure  and  stimulate 
local  enterprises 
to  create  self-sustaining  employment 
independent of the mine. Some of these projects were delayed 
due  to  disruptions  caused  by  COVID-19  and  we  continue  
to  engage  with  stakeholders  regarding  project  status,  any 
further COVID-19 impact on progress and alternative projects to 
address immediate needs in current circumstances. 

In addition to community support, the Letšeng mine makes a 
substantial  contribution  to  the  Lesotho  economy,  providing 
jobs  for  more  than  1  7021  people  and  supporting  the  local 
economy and the broader population of Lesotho through local 
procurement initiatives. In 2020, due to the reduced production 
and  the  30-day  shutdown  period,  in-country  procurement 
decreased 23% to US$126.9 million (2019: US$164.6 million), of 
which  US$2.2  million  was  procured  directly  from  PACs  (2019: 
US$2.4 million) and US$27.4 million (2019: US$30.5 million) from 
regional  communities  around  Letšeng.  The  Company’s 
investment in training also improves individual skills in the area. 

No major or significant stakeholder incidents were reported at 
any of Gem Diamonds’ operations during the year (2019: none) 
and there were also no incidents involving any violation of the 
rights  of  the  indigenous  people  on  whose  land  the  Group 
operates (2019: none).

STRATEGIC FOCUS: EXTRACTING 
MAXIMUM VALUE FROM OUR OPERATIONS 
Despite 
the  challenging  operating  environment,  Gem 
Diamonds produced solid results that included the recovery of 
16  diamonds  greater  than  100  carats  (2019:  11).  Exceptional 
recoveries  during  the  year  include  a  439  carat  white  Type  IIa 
diamond, a 183 carat white Type IIa diamond and a 166 carat 
white  Type  IIa  diamond  reaffirming  the  quality  of  the  mine’s 
production. 

While the overall diamond market was under extreme pressure, 
our  proactive  steps  to  ensure  the  safety  of  customers  and 
provide additional analysis of the diamonds on tender resulted 
in the average price achieved increasing 17% to US$1 908 per 
carat (2019: US$1 637 per carat) from the sale of 99 172 carats 
(2019: 111 292). 

Tonnes  treated  for  the  year  decreased  19%  year  on  year 
impacted by the 30-day shutdown at Letšeng and subsequent 
phased ramp-up of the two plants and we continue to focus on 
enhancing value over volume in our treatment of ore through 
the  plants.  Carats  recovered  decreased  12%  to  100  780  
(2019:  113  974),  which  was  in  line  with  the  reduced  tonnes 
treated due to the COVID-19-related shutdown in Q2. Letšeng’s 
operational performance is discussed in detail on page 43.

Revenue increased 4% to US$189.6 million (2019: US$182.0 million), 
which translates to underlying EBITDA2 of US$53.2 million and 
earnings per share of 9.8 US cents. Cash flow was a key focus 
given  the  crisis  conditions  prevalent  for  most  of  the  year  and 
cash flow from operations increased 73% to US$96.2 million for 
the year, allowing the Group to move from a net debt position 
of US$10.2 million at the start of the year to a net cash3 position 
of  US$34.6  million  at  the  end  of  2020.  More  information 
regarding  the  Group’s  financial  results  is  available  in  the  
Chief Financial Officer’s report on page 36.

The process to sell the Ghaghoo mine, which remains on care 
and  maintenance,  continues,  but  was  significantly  delayed 
during the year due to the impact of COVID-19. Management 
remains  committed  to  the  sale  and  will  conclude  the  process  
in 2021.

STRATEGIC FOCUS: PREPARING FOR  
THE FUTURE
The  Group’s  improved  balance  sheet  at  year  end  provides  a 
sound  platform  from  which  to  navigate  the  current  uncertain 
environment.  The  reduced  costs  and  improved  efficiencies 
realised  through  the  BT  initiatives  were  critical  in  maximising 
operational  cash  flows  during  the  year  and  the  operational 
benefits  from  the  CI  initiative  currently  being  rolled  out  are 
already evident. These initiatives are discussed on page 46. 

Non-essential  capital  expenditure  was  deferred  wherever 
possible  to  preserve  cash,  but  not  at  the  expense  of  projects 
necessary to sustain operations. 

We continue to advance two key technologies to identify locked 
diamonds  within  kimberlite  and  to  liberate  diamonds  using  a 
non-mechanical process. While the pilot project was hindered 
largely by the COVID-19-related lockdown and travel restrictions 
and did not make the progress during the year we would have 
liked, we have identified new technical partners to advance the 
pilot and believe that the benefits in reduced diamond damage 
and lower operating costs will be realised in time.

Gem  Diamonds  is  cognisant  of  the  risks  presented  by  climate 
change and conscious of the need to minimise emissions and our 
environmental  impact  more  broadly.  The  immediate  climate-
related  challenge  at  Letšeng  remains  water  management. 
Effective  water  management  is  crucial  for  the  viability  of  our 
business.  This  refers  not  only  to  the  preservation  of  natural 
resources for the benefit of host communities but also to the cost 
implications of water consumption on our business.

 Includes contractors. 

1 
2  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for the definition of non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures.
3 

 Net cash/(debt) is a non-GAAP measure and calculated as cash and short-term deposits less drawn down bank facilities (excluding the asset-based finance facility and insurance 
premium financing).

OUTLOOK
In the year ahead, our immediate focus will be on ensuring the 
health of our employees and contractors during the COVID-19 
second  and  possible  future  waves.  We  will  also  continue  to 
support  surrounding  communities  and  assist  the  Lesotho 
Government  in  its  efforts  to  manage  the  impact  of  the 
pandemic, including doing what we can to facilitate access to 
effective vaccination programmes. 

At an operational level, we will continue to realise the benefits 
of the BT programme and roll out the CI project, drive efficiencies 
and  cost-reduction  initiatives  to  maximise  cash  flows  and 
maintain our status as a responsible, safe and low-cost operation. 

APPRECIATION
I would like to thank the Board and our Chairperson for their 
support and guidance during the year. A special thanks goes 
to  the  management  teams  for  their  energy  and  tenacity  in 
implementing 
in  extremely  challenging 
conditions.

strategy 

the 

My appreciation also extends to the Lesotho Government for its 
help  in  allowing  us  to  restart  our  operation.  Our  customers 
bought our product at good prices during uncertain times and 
we thank them for their support and trust. In closing, thank you 
to our shareholders for their confidence and belief in our vision. 

Clifford Elphick
Chief Executive Officer
10 March 2021

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37

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S 
REVIEW

“Management was able to normalise operations and maintain cash 
reserves through effective sales processes and cash preservation initiatives.”
– Michael Michael –

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 2020
The  Group’s  immediate  focus  in  the  first  half  of  the  year  was  to 
manage the severe operational challenges brought on by the swift 
onset  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  Management  was  able  to 
normalise operations and maintain cash reserves through effective 
sales  processes  and  cash-preservation  initiatives.  In  the  short  to 
medium  term,  the  focus  moved  to  optimising  cash  generation 
through  further  operational  efficiencies  to  ensure  the  continued 
sustainability of the business in a challenging environment.

Significant operating and capital cost reduction and deferment 
measures  were  implemented  in  the  second  quarter  which, 
together  with  the  ability  to  successfully  hold  tenders  and 
generate  revenue,  contributed  to  positive  cash  generation. 
Following the forced shutdown of operations at Letšeng due to 
the  Lesotho  Government’s  lockdown  order  during  March  and 
April, planned waste mining activities was successfully deferred 
to resume in July; and in the second half of the year the primary 
focus was on continued and safe operations, curbing the spread 
of COVID-19 on site and cash generation.

Although tender revenues initially tracked the weaker market for 
rough  diamonds  following  the  onset  of  COVID-19,  there  was  a 
marked improvement in sentiment in the second half of the year. 
With the focus on the higher-value satellite ore, Letšeng produced 
good high-quality large diamonds, which included 16 diamonds 
greater than 100 carats during the year, compared to 11 in 2019.

Underlying  EBITDA2  from  continuing  operations  increased  to 
US$53.2 million (after COVID-19 standing costs of US$3.9 million 
incurred  during  the  lockdown  period),  from  US$41.0  million  in 
2019.  Profit  attributable  to  shareholders 
from  continuing 
operations for the year was US$16.9 million, equating to earnings 
per  share  from  continuing  operations  of  12.1  US  cents  on  a 
weighted average number of shares in issue of 139.3 million. After 
including  the 
loss  of  US$3.3  million  from  the  Ghaghoo 
discontinued  operation,  the  Group’s  attributable  profit  was 
US$13.6  million  with  earnings  per  share  after  discontinued 
operations of 9.8 US cents.

The  Group  ended 
the  year  with  a  cash  balance  of  
US$49.8  million  and  drawndown  facilities  of  US$15.2  million, 
resulting  in  a  net  cash  position  of  US$34.6  million  (2019:  net 

debt  of  US$10.2  million)  and  unutilised  available  facilities  of 
US$60.8 million.

Summary of financial performance
Please  refer  to  the  full  annual  financial  statements  starting  on 
page 113.

US$ million

Revenue
Royalty and selling costs
Cost of sales1
COVID-19 Standing costs
Corporate expenses

Underlying EBITDA2 from 
continuing operations

Depreciation and mining asset 
amortisation
Share-based payments
Other income
Other expenses
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain
Net finance costs

Profit before tax from  
continuing operations
Income tax expense

Profit for the year from 
continuing operations
Non-controlling interests

Attributable profit from 
continuing operations

Loss from discontinued 
operations

Attributable net profit

Earnings per share from continuing 
operations (US cents)

Loss per share from discontinued 
operations (US cents)

Dividends per share (US cents)

2020

2019 

189.6
(19.8)
(104.7)
(3.9)
(8.0)

182.0
(16.9)
(114.7)
–
(9.4)

53.2

41.0

(9.1)
(0.6)
–
–
(0.9)
(4.4)

38.2
(10.7)

27.5
(10.6)

(14.7)
(0.8)
1.1
(0.3)
3.6
(5.8)

24.1
(9.0)

15.1
(8.0)

16.9

7.1

(3.3)

13.6

(4.5)

2.6

12.1

5.1

(2.3)

2.5

(3.2)

–

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW CONTINUED

US$ million

2020

2019 

Group revenue summary
Letšeng sales – rough
Sales – polished margin
Impact of movement in inventory

Group revenue

189.2
0.6
(0.2)

189.6

182.1
–
(0.1)

182.0

Extracted  diamond  inventory  on  hand  at  the  end  of  the  year 
decreased to US$0.6 million (2019: US$0.9 million).

Expenditure

Operating expenditure and COVID-19 standing costs

Group cost of sales decreased by 9% to US$104.7 million from 
US$114.7  million  in  2019  as  a  result  of  the  cash  preservation 
measures and the continued focus to reduce costs in line with 
the  BT  initiatives.  Total  waste-stripping  costs  amortised  were 
US$43.4 million compared to US$43.1 million in 2019.

incurred  during  the 
Certain  standing  charges  that  were 
shutdown and ramp-up periods where normal waste stripping 
and carat production levels were disrupted, were recognised as 
abnormal  costs,  and  in  terms  of  IAS  2  Inventories  have  been 
expensed  immediately  and  disclosed  separately  from  cost  of 
sales.  These  costs  amount  to  Lesotho  loti  LSL48.5  million  
(US$2.9  million).  In  addition,  US$1.0  million  was  incurred  to 
implement protocols to address the risk and contain the spread 
of  COVID-19  at  the  operations  and  Letšeng’s  surrounding 
communities.

Revenue
Revenue of US$189.6 million was generated at Letšeng, achieving 
an average price of US$1 908 per carat1 (2019: US$1 637 per carat). 
The Group sold 34 diamonds for more than US$1.0 million each, 
contributing US$77.6 million to revenue.

increased 

revenue  was  mainly  driven  
The  Group’s 
by  achievement  of  a  higher  average  price  per  carat  and 
increased large diamond recoveries.

  Letšeng 12-month rolling average 
(US$ per carat)

1 637

1 568

1 636

1 850

1 908

Q4 2019

Q1 2020

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

1 
Including waste stripping costs amortisation but excluding depreciation and mining asset amortisation.
2  Underlying EBITDA as defined in Note 4, Operating profit of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

1 

Includes carats extracted at rough valuation and carry-over inventory.

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Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Total  operating  costs  in  local  currency  increased  by  6%  to  LSL1  740.8  million  compared  to  LSL1  649.6  million  in  2019  and  includes  
the impact of non-cash accounting charges. The unit cost per tonne increased 30% to LSL320.20 per tonne from LSL245.92 per tonne 
treated  in  2019. This  increase  was  driven  by  the  reduced  tonnes  treated  and  the  proportionate  mix  of  ore  mined  during  the  year. 
Although the total waste-stripping costs amortised during the year was similar to 2019, the increased contribution from Satellite pipe 
material (which carries a higher stripping ratio and associated amortisation charge) impacted the unit cost. During the year, 2.8 million 
tonnes of this material were treated (2019: 1.6 million) which increased the total amortisation charge to LSL131.56 per tonne treated 
compared  to  LSL92.88  in  2019.  The  increase  in  the  non-cash  accounting  charges  per  tonne  treated,  impacted  by  waste-stripping 
amortisation, was offset by the timing differences of the inventory and stockpile movements during the year.

Letšeng Unit Cost Analysis

Unit cost  
per tonne 
treated

Direct 
cash 
costs2

Plant 3
 operator 
costs

2020 (LSL)
2019 (LSL)
% change

2020 (US$)
2019 (US$)
% change

 183.94 
 150.61 

 15.73 
 20.40 

 11.17 
 10.42 

 0.95 
 1.41 

Subtotal

 199.67 
 171.01 
17

 12.12 
 11.83 
2

BT & CI 
associated 
costs

Total 
direct 
cash costs 

Non-cash 
accounting 
charges1

Total 
operating 
cost

 1.79 
 10.15 

 0.11 
 0.71 

 201.46 
 181.16 
11

 12.23 
 12.54 
(2)

 118.74 
 64.76 

 7.21 
 4.48 

 320.20 
 245.92 
30

 19.44 
 17.02 
(2)

Waste cash 
costs per 
waste tonne
 mined

 43.70 
 38.62 
13

 2.65 
 2.67 
0

Direct cash cost per tonne treated is LSL201.46, representing an 
11% increase from 2019. Waste cash cost per waste tonne mined 
increased by 13% to LSL43.70 (2019: LSL38.62). These cash cost 
increases  are  a  direct  result  of  the  lower  volumes  treated  
(5.4  million  tonnes  compared  to  6.7  million  tonnes  in  2019)  
and  waste  tonnes  mined  (15.6  million  tonnes  compared  to  
24.0  million  tonnes  in  2019)  during  the  year  respectively.  
Total direct cash costs, including waste cash costs, decreased by 
18% to LSL1 775.7 million from LSL2 158.8 million in 2019 as a 
result  of  the  lower  volume  of  mining  activities  and  cash 
preservation  and  deferment  measures  implemented  during 
the year. 

Letšeng pays the third plant operator contractor according to 
the revenue generated by the sales from diamonds recovered 
through  the  contractor  plant.  In  2020,  the  cash  costs  in  local 
currency decreased by 23% in line with the reduction in carats 
recovered and sold.

BT  and  CI  associated  costs  of  US$0.6  million  were  incurred 
relating to initiatives implemented during the year, resulting a 
unit cost impact of LSL1.79 per tonne treated.

Exchange rate influences

Revenue  is  generated  in  US  dollars,  while  the  majority  of 
operational expenses are incurred in the relevant local currency 

in  the  operational  jurisdictions.  Local  currency  rates  for  the 
Lesotho  loti  (LSL)  (pegged  to  the  South  African  rand)  and 
Botswana pula (BWP) were weaker against the US dollar during 
the  year  (compared  to  2019),  which  reduced  the  Group’s  
US dollar-reported costs.

Exchange rates

2020

2019  % change

LSL per US$1.00
Average exchange rate
Year end exchange rate

BWP per US$1.00
Average exchange rate
Year end exchange rate

GBP per US$1.00
Average exchange rate
Year end exchange rate

16.47
14.69

11.45
10.80

0.78
0.73

14.45
13.98

10.76
10.58

0.78
0.75

14
5

6
2

–
(3)

Royalties and marketing costs

Royalties are paid to the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho 
on the value of rough diamonds sold by Letšeng in terms of the 

1 

 Non-cash accounting charges include waste stripping cost amortised, inventory and ore stockpile adjustments, and the impact of adopting IFRS 16 Leases, and exclude depreciation 
and mining asset amortisation.

2  Direct mine cash costs represent all operating costs, excluding royalty and selling costs.

operation’s  mining  lease.  The  Group’s  sales  and  marketing 
operation  in  Belgium  incurs  costs  relating  to  diamond  selling 
and  marketing.  During  the  year,  royalties  and  selling  costs 
increased by 17% to US$19.8 million (2019: US$16.9 million) in 
line  with  the  increase  in  revenue  and  the  increase  in  royalties 
from October 2019 from 8% to 10%. 

Rough diamond extractions and partnership sales

Letšeng entered into partnership arrangements during the year 
for  the  sale  of  four  rough  diamonds  totalling  240  carats.  The 
partnership  arrangements  allow  for  Letšeng  to  share  in  the 
margin  uplift  on  the  sale  of  the  resultant  polished  diamonds, 
which added revenue to the Group of US$0.6 million in 2020.

Corporate expenses

Central costs are incurred by the Group to provide expertise in 
all areas of the business model to realise maximum value from 
the Group’s assets. These costs are incurred at the technical and 
administrative offices in South Africa (in South African rand) and 
head office in the UK (in British pounds).

Baseline  corporate  costs  for  the  year  were  US$7.9  million,  
a 4% increase compared to 2019 of US$7.7 million. The benefits 
from  the  corporate  cost  initiatives  implemented  through  BT 
continue  to  be  realised.  During  the  year,  US$0.1  million  in  
costs were incurred on ad hoc projects (2019: US$1.7 million), 
resulting  in  an  overall  saving  of  US$1.4  million  compared  to 
2019. The saving is largely due to the suspension of all ad hoc 
projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Historical corporate costs data (US$ million)

0.1

0.5

0.2

0.7

1.7

0.1

11.6

2015

10.5

2016

9.0

2017

9.3

2018

7.7

2019

7.9

2020

BASELINE COSTS

PROJECT COSTS

Underlying EBITDA1 and attributable profit 

Group  underlying  EBITDA1 
from  continuing  operations 
increased  by  30%  to  US$53.2  million  (2019:  US$41.0  million)  

as a result of the increase in revenue and the reduction in costs 
through  cash  preservation 
initiatives.  Profit  attributable  
to  shareholders  was  US$13.6  million,  which  translates  to  
9.8  US  cents  per  share  based  on  a  weighted  average  number  
of shares in issue of 139.3 million.

Statement of financial position – selected 
indicators 

US$ million

Property, plant and equipment
Receivables and other assets
Inventory
Cash and short-term deposits
Assets held for sale
Non-current: interest-bearing loans 
and borrowings
Current: interest-bearing loans and 
borrowings
Liabilities associated with assets  
held for sale
Deferred tax
Provisions
Income tax (payable)/receivable

Capital expenditure 

2020

2019 

304 003
5 839
26 740
49 821
3 528

323 853
6 337
32 517
11 303
3 943

(1 701)

(6 009)

(14 385)

(16 332)

(4 224)
(78 209)
(12 331)
(11 834)

(4 221)
(83 124)
(15 588)
8 176

The Group’s focus on cash preservation during COVID-19 resulted 
in  limited  capital  spend  and  the  deferral  of  a  number  of  capital 
projects. Letšeng’s capital spend was incurred mainly on continued 
core drilling; micro diamond analysis and mineral resource studies 
to firm up the existing mineral resource base (US$0.7 million) (2019: 
US$0.5 million); and the studies and engineering designs for the 
construction  of  the  replacement  Primary  Crusher  Area  of  US$0.3 
million (2019: US$0.7 million). In addition, US$0.1 million was spent 
on COVID-19 screening equipment and hardware.

Total capital expenditure (excluding waste stripping) decreased 
to US$1.6 million during the year (2019: US$9.7 million).

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for the definition of non-GAAP measures.

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41

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Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Cash at hand 

Summary of loan facilities as at 31 December 2020

The  Group  generated  cash  from  operating  activities  (before  capital  and  waste  investment  of  US$48.7  million)  of  US$96.2  million.  
The Group ended the year with cash on hand of US$49.8 million (2019: US$11.4 million), of which US$36.2 million is attributable to  
Gem Diamonds. All scheduled capital debt repayments during the year were made, totalling US$13.5 million. The overall result is a net 
increase in cash of US$44.8 million year on year. 

Letšeng declared a dividend of LSL400.0 million (US$27.0 million) in 2020 of which LSL250.0 million (US$16.8 million) was paid during 
2020, with a further LSL150.0 million (US$10.2 million) payable in March 2021. 

Cash movement (US$ million) 

105

6

47

70

11

Cash and
facilities 
December 
2019

8

8

5

3

3

2

4

61

50

Letšeng –
cash 
generated

Net 
income 
tax 
received

Letšeng –
waste costs
capitalised

Net Financial 
liabilities 
repaid 
(incl. IFRS 16)

Corporate
costs

Dividends 
to 
NCIs

Net finance 
costs

Ghaghoo 
costs

Investment 
in PPE 

FCTR

Cash and 
facilities 
December 
2020

AVAILABLE FACILITIES

Loans and borrowings

At year end, the Group had utilised facilities of US$15.2 million, 
resulting in a net cash position of US$34.6 million and available 
facilities of US$60.8 million, comprising a  net  debt  position of 
US$5.7  million  (after  US$10.0  million  drawdown)  at  Gem 
Diamonds and a net cash position of US$40.3 million at Letšeng.

The Group optimised the capital structure to ensure Letšeng’s 
debts  were  fully  repaid  at  the  end  of  the  year,  even  under 
COVID-19  circumstances,  to  ensure  lower  overall  gearing  in 
the  medium  term  should  the  pandemic  have  extended 
implications.  The  Group  has 
the  Gem  
Diamonds’  three-year  revolving  credit  facility  that  expired  
in  December  2020 
to  
31 December 2021. The Group engages regularly with lenders 
and  credit  providers  to  ensure  continued  access  to  funding 
and  to  manage  the  Group’s  cash  flow  requirements  during 
these current turbulent times.

further  12  months  up 

renegotiated 

for  a 

Repayment  of  the  remaining  US$10.0  million  balance  on  
the  Gem  Diamonds  Limited  facility,  relating  to  the  Ghaghoo 
US$25.0 million debt, was repaid in quarterly instalments during 
the  year,  with  the  final  repayment  made  in  December  2020. 
During  2020,  Gem  Diamonds  accessed  US$14.0  million  of  its 
three-year RCF. A capital repayment of US$6.0 million was made 
on  the  RCF  facility  in  December  2020,  ending  the  year  with  a 
US$10.0 million outstanding balance. 

Letšeng made repayments of LSL57.3 million (US$3.9 million) on 
its  project  debt  facility  for  the  construction  of  the  mining 
workshop complex. The outstanding balance of LSL76.3 million 
(US$5.2 million) will be repaid by September 2022.

Funding discussions for the replacement PCA continues while 
the appropriate timing for the commencement of the project is 
being considered.

The  Group  has  commenced  a  consolidated  debt  refinancing  
of its key credit facilities and has appointed Nedbank Corporate 
and  Investment  Banking  as  the  sole  mandated  lead  arranger  
to drive this process on its behalf.

Company

Term/ 
description

Lender

Expiry

Interest rate1

Amount 
US$ million

Drawn down 
US$ million

Available 
US$ million

Existing facilities
Gem Diamonds 
Limited2

12-Month RCF Nedbank

December 2021

Letšeng 
Diamonds

Letšeng 
Diamonds

Three-year RCF Standard 

July 2021

Lesotho Bank 
and Nedbank 
Lesotho

Nedbank/ 
Export Credit 
Insurance 
Corporation

Five-and-a- 
half-year  
project facility

March 2022

London US$ 
three-month 
London 
Interbank 
Offered Rate 
(LIBOR) + 5.0%

Lesotho prime 
rate minus 
1.5%

Tranche 1 
(R180 million) 
South African 
Johannesburg 
Interbank 
Average Rate
(JIBAR) + 3.15%

September 2022 Tranche 2 

Letšeng 
Diamonds

Overdraft  
facility

Nedbank

Annual review 
in March

Total

(LSL35 million) 
South African 
JIBAR + 6.75%

South African 
prime rate 
minus 0.7%

30.0

10.0

20.0

34.0

–

34.0

12.3

4.1

2.3

1.1

–

–

6.8

 85.4

–

15.2

6.8

60.8

Discontinued operation

In line with the strategic objective to dispose of non-core assets, 
the Board and management remain committed to the sale of 
Ghaghoo. The binding agreement that Gem Diamonds entered 
into in June 2019 for the sale of 100% of the share capital of Gem 
Diamonds Botswana Proprietary Limited lapsed due to certain 
suspensive  conditions  not  being  met,  however  process  was 
again opened to other prospective buyers during the year and 
has entered into an exclusivity arrangement with an interested 
party with whom potential sale discussions are continuing. 

The sales process faced considerable delays in 2020 largely due 
to  the  impact  of  COVID-19  and  in  particular  the  related  travel 
restrictions that prohibited site visits for due diligence purposes. 
This process is expected to be concluded in 2021.

in  accordance  with 

The operation remains on care and maintenance and is classified 
as  a  discontinued  operation 
IFRS  5  
Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and  Discontinued  Operations. 
Care  and  maintenance  costs  were  significantly  reduced  to  
US$3.3 million (2019: US$4.5 million) and have been recognised 
and disclosed separately in the Consolidated Statement of Profit 
or Loss. The reduction in costs was mainly due to the renegotiation 
of  key  contracts  following  the  suspension  of  the  de-watering 
programme. The suspension realised savings relating to reduced 
fuel consumption on site and ancillary costs associated with de-
watering.  Further  cost  reductions  were  driven  by  insurance 
premium decreases, termination of a transport contract, reducing 
the  workforce  in  line  with  reduced  care  and  maintenance 
operations and renegotiation of a generator rental contract.

1  At 31 December 2020 LIBOR was 0.24% and JIBAR was 3.65%.
2  Refer Note 18 of the Annual Financial Statements for the reconciliation of the US$30 million facility.

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43

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REVIEW CONTINUED

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Share-based payment
The share-based payment charge for the year was US$0.6 million 
(2019: US$0.8 million). On 9 June, 1 249 000 nil-cost options were 
granted to certain key employees and Executive Directors under 
the long-term incentive plan of the Group with similar conditions 
as previous awards granted under this scheme.

DIVIDEND
As  a  result  of  the  Group’s  disciplined  capital  and  cash 
management, and its strong cash generation during the year in 
a challenging environment, the Board is pleased to recommend 
the  payment  of  an  ordinary  cash  dividend  of  2.5  US  cents  in 
respect  of  the  2020  financial  year.  The  dividend  is  subject  to 
shareholder  approval  at  the  scheduled  AGM  to  be  held  on  
2 June 2021.  

TAXATION
The Group has applied all relevant principles in accordance with 
prevailing legislation in assessing its tax obligations.

The Group’s effective tax rate was 28%. Most of the Group’s taxes 
are incurred in Lesotho, which has a corporate tax rate of 25%. 
The effective tax rate is above the Lesotho corporate tax rate as 
a result of deferred tax assets not recognised on losses incurred 
in operations during the year, partially offset by a reduction in 
the deferred tax liability on unremitted earnings. Governments 
in various countries introduced certain tax payment deferment 
measures  to  reduce  the  impact  of  COVID-19  on  companies 
during  the  lockdown  period,  and  where  applicable  all  taxes 
were paid before year-end, in line with the deferrals offered.  

During  the  year  the  Group  received  a  net  tax  refund  of  
US$5.9  million  in  taxes.  The  US$7.6  million  of  overpaid  taxes 
relating to the 2019 tax year at Letšeng was refunded during the 
year. Following the solid financial results at Letšeng, a further tax 
obligation of US$11.3 million relating to the 2020 tax year is due 
for payment by March 2021. 

As disclosed in the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts, an amended 
tax  assessment  was  issued  to  Letšeng  by  the  Lesotho  Revenue 
Authority (LRA) in December 2019, contradicting the application 
of  certain  tax  treatments  in  the  current  Income  Tax  Act.  An 
objection was lodged by Letšeng in March, which was supported 
by the opinion of senior counsel, together with an application for 
the suspension of any payment deemed due. The application for 
suspension of payment was accepted. The LRA has subsequently 
lodged an application to the Lesotho High Court pertaining to this 
matter, which Letšeng is opposing and a court date has been set 
for  3  August  2021. There  has  therefore  been  no  change  in  the 
judgement applied and the accounting treatment for this matter 
(refer Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates and judgments for 
further detail.)

SENSITIVITIES
The  Group  is  exposed  to  a  range  of  external  factors  that  are 
outside of its control in the conduct of its business. The Group 
has the necessary resilience, balance sheet strength and access 

to  funds  to  adjust  for  shifts  in  these  factors. The  graph  below 
illustrates the sensitivity of 2020’s EBITDA to various factors that 
have the most significant impact on our ability to create value. 

SENSITIVITY IMPACT OF 1% CHANGE  
(US$ MILLION)

%

Royalties rate change (absolute)

Average selling price for rough diamonds sold

Operating cost per tonne – direct cash cost 

Exchange differences

Diesel price or volume

Corporate expenses

1.8

1.7

1.1

1.1

0.1

0.1

OUTLOOK
While the full impact of COVID-19 on the diamond industry and 
the Group’s operations is still unfolding, the Group expects that 
in  the  medium  to  long  term,  rough  diamond  prices  will  be 
supported  by  favourable  demand  and  supply  fundamentals. 
These include continued growth in demand from markets such 
as  China and  India,  supported by a projected fall-off  in rough 
diamond  supply.  This  dynamic  is  expected  to  benefit  high-
quality  diamonds  in  particular,  where  shortages  of  certain 
categories  of  these  rough  diamonds  were  already  evident 
during the year. 

The Group’s business priorities were quickly adapted to the new 
reality created by COVID-19 and numerous operational projects 
were deferred to focus on normalising the business. The Group 
continues to monitor developments and considers the potential 
primary risks to be disruptions in production resulting in lower 
throughput and the risk of reduced revenue due to downward 
pressure on diamond prices and/or decreased demand.

The  Group’s  focus  remains  on  areas  of  optimisation  and  cash 
preservation  through  re-evaluation  of  all  operational  and 
financial management initiatives, while keeping employees and 
surrounding communities safe. Effective capital allocation and 
cost  reductions  aim  to  ensure  the  financial  and  funding 
resilience  needed  to  operate  in  extremely  challenging  times 
and to achieve the Group’s strategic objectives.

Michael Michael
Chief Financial Officer
10 March 2021

HIGHLIGHTS
•  Zero fatalities and one LTI

•  Group AIFR at 0.76, the lowest in a decade

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Recovered 16 diamonds greater than 100 carats, including a 
439 carat, a 183 carat and a 166 carat Type IIa white diamond

Sold 34 diamonds for more than US$1.0 million each 

 Average price of US$1 908 per carat achieved despite the 
impact of COVID-19 (2019: US$1 637)

The Group effectively handled an unprecedented crisis 

 Continued benefits and savings realised from BT initiatives 
and CI programme successfully rolled out in mining 
operations

 Excellent collaboration with contractors and suppliers 
ensured safe and responsible continued operations and 
the sustainability of the business

• 

Fourth consecutive year of ISO 14001 and 45001 certifications

KEY PROJECTS 2020
• 

Implemented a Safety Turnaround Strategy, adopted at the 
end of 2019

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Ensured the safety and wellbeing of our workforce and 
PACs during COVID-19 while adapting operations and 
strategic priorities for the changed operating environment

 Enhanced customer engagement to realise maximum sales 
opportunities

 Ensured transitioning of BT into CI (see page 46)

 Completed feasibility study to replace and upgrade the  
PCA facility

Investigated further options to reduce waste mining

 Reduced diamond damage through changing blasting 
patterns successfully rolled out at Letšeng

Reduced processing throughput to improve plant stability 
through more consistent feed rate

 Progressed studies and core drilling relating to the 
updating of the Resource and Reserve Statement

CHALLENGES
•  COVID-19 and the 30-day shutdown at Letšeng mine

• 

• 

 COVID-19 disruptions affected haul truck and other critical equipment, and spares availability 

 Processing at Letšeng plants below budget due to (i) an increase in planned maintenance to improve equipment reliability and 
plant stability; and (ii) intermittent power interruptions 

PERFORMANCE
Line managers at Letšeng report to the COO on a weekly basis. 
This  was  increased  to  daily  meetings  at  Letšeng  and  weekly 
meetings at Ghaghoo following the onset of the pandemic and 
the resultant operational impacts. 

Weekly meetings were held with contractors, line management 
and the COO to ensure alignment and understand challenges in 
addressing COVID-19 impacts.

Over  and  above  quarterly  reports  to  the  Board,  the  COO  and 
CFO  meet  with  a  non-Executive  Director  about  operational 
governance on a weekly basis.

Weekly  cash  flow  meetings  with  Letšeng  are  held  and  line 
managers  submit  a  monthly  operational  report  to  both  the 
COO  and  CFO,  which  provides  performance  feedback  on 
metrics involving:

•  health and safety;

•  COVID-19 testing and management;

•  production and operational performance;

• 

• 

TSF management and monitoring; and

current projects’ progress discussions.

Safety
Letšeng’s approach to safety is built on the culture of behaviour-
based care at work and a commitment to zero harm. The Group’s 
intensified focus on safety and the benefits of visible leadership 
and training is evident in the positive operational safety trends 
seen  in  2020.  One  LTI  was  recorded  at  Letšeng  during  2020 
(2019: seven); and the LTIFR decreased to 0.04 (2019: 0.28). The 
Group  reported  the  lowest  AIFR  in  a  decade  after  the  AIFR 
improved to 0.76 (2019: 0.97). Although the focus on the Safety 
Turnaround  Strategy  implemented  in  2020  saw  a  decrease  in 
LTIs  during  2020,  management  has  also  implemented  pro-
active  actions  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  certain  near-miss 
incidents that could potentially have severe outcomes. Letšeng 
is  putting  into  effect  a  strategy  to  reduce  LTIs,  and  to  ensure 
behaviour-based care is integrated at the operation to continue 
to reduce all safety incidents. There were no LTIs during 2020 at 
Ghaghoo or anywhere else in the Group.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Report on payments • Additional information

Gem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202044

45

OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

KPI

Fatalities
LTIFR
AIFR

Operations
KPI

Ore mined
Ore treated
Carats recovered1
Carats sold
Average price per carat

Unit

Number
200 000 man hours
200 000 man hours

2020

0
0.04
0.76

2019

% change

1
0.28
0.93

(100)
(86)
(19)

Unit

tonnes
tonnes
carats
carats
US$/carat

2020

2019

% change

5 594 639
5 436 396
100 780
99 172
1 908

6 297 805
6 707 791
113 974
111 292
1 637

(11)
(19)
(12)
(11)
17

Letšeng  suspended  operations  and  placed  the  mine  on  care 
and maintenance from 28 March to 26 April in compliance with 
the Government of Lesotho’s lockdown order. Mining and ore 
treatment restarted in a phased approach in April and ramp-up 
to full production at both treatment plants was achieved in May, 
with waste mining recommencing in July, in accordance with a 
revised 2020 mine plan. 

Waste tonnes mined decreased 35% to 15.6 million tonnes from 
24.0  million  tonnes  in  2019,  impacted  by  the  shutdown  of 
operations in Q2, the focus on cash preservation and based on a 
revised 2020 mining plan. Availability of primary waste diggers and 
waste hauling trucks was lower than call due to reduced availability 
of critical spares and maintenance services, largely as a result of the 
imposed COVID-19-related lockdowns and travel restrictions. 

Ore tonnes treated during 2020 of 5.4 million tonnes comprised 
4.5  million  tonnes  treated  by  Letšeng’s  plants  (2019:  5.6  million) 
and  0.9  million  tonnes  treated  by  the  third-party  processing 
contractor Alluvial Ventures (AV) (2019: 1.1 million). Of the total ore 
treated,  2.6  million  was  sourced  from  the  Main  pipe,  2.8  million 
from the Satellite pipe with only a negligible number of tonnes 
from the Main pipe stockpiles. Ore tonnes treated was impacted 
by the shutdown  and phased ramp-up, the planned reduction in 
processing  feed  rates  to  improve  plant  stability  with  the  aim  of 

increasing  diamond  recoveries,  electricity  supply  interruptions, 
and  an  increase  in  planned  maintenance  to  ensure  equiment 
reliability.  Due  mainly  to  the  lost  processing  time  during  the 
shutdown period and phased ramp-up in Q2, a higher proportion 
of Satellite pipe ore was treated in 2020 to maximise revenue and 
cash generation, particularly in the second half of the year.  The 
coarser  and  harder  Satellite  pipe  material,  however,  negatively 
impacts throughput capacity in the plants.

Total carats recovered in 2020 decreased 12% to  100 780 (2019: 
113 974), largely as a result of no tonnes being treated during 
the  30-day  shutdown  period  and  reduced  tonnes  during  the 
ramp-up phase.

The  BT  initiative  to  re-treat  historic  and  current  recovery  tailings 
through the mobile XRT sorting machine yielded 1 341 carats in 
2020 (2019: 5 420 carats). The decrease compared to 2019 is largely 
due to improved recoveries within the coarse recovery system and 
the depletion of historic coarse recovery tailings material. 

Overall grade for 2020 was 1.85cpht, an increase of 9% on the 
1.70cpht  realised  in  2019  due  to  the  higher  contribution  of 
Satellite pipe ore in 2020, which has a higher grade relative to 
Main pipe ore. The grade for the ore processed during the year 
was in line with its expected reserve grade.

Large diamond recoveries
In 2020 Letšeng recovered 16 diamonds greater than 100 carats each (2019:11); and total diamonds recovered greater than 10 carats 
increased by 5% year on year.

Number of large diamond recoveries

> 100 carats
60 – 100 carats
30 – 60 carats
20 – 30 carats
10 – 20 carats

Total diamonds > 10 carats

2020

2019

FY average
2009 – 2019

16
29
102
115
500

762

11
20
82
139
472

724

8
18
72
114
426

639

1 

Includes carats produced from the Letšeng plants, the Alluvial Ventures (AV) plant and the tailings treatment plant.

Letšeng +100 carat diamonds

20

15

10

5

0

15

16

11

11

9

7

5

6

3

2012

2013

2014

2015-

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

DIAMONDS RECOVERED PER ANNUM

Mineral resources and reserves 
While studies related to the updating of Letšeng’s Resource and 
Reserve  Statement  continued  throughout  2020,  there  were 
considerable  delays  due  to  the  lockdowns  in  Lesotho,  South 
interpretation  of  results 
Africa  and  Canada.  Analysis  and 
progressed,  including  comprehensive  petrography,  mineral 
chemistry (Mantle Mapper and chromite microprobe test work) 
and microdiamond analysis of drill core and grab samples, all of 
which  complement  the  core  logging  data  and  guide  the  3D 
geological modelling process. 

Bulk sampling of the various volumetrically significant subdomains 
is  ongoing  within  the  mining  and  treatment  production 
schedules. The low grades of all kimberlites at Letšeng mean that 
substantial  bulk  samples  are  required  to  collect  sufficient 
diamond data to confidently estimate grade and diamond value. 

impacted  by  the  relatively 

The timeline for updating the Resource and Reserve Statement 
internal  geology 
was  further 
recognised  during  the  detailed  petrographic  studies  on 
historical and new core obtained during the 2017-2018 drilling 
programme.  As  a  result,  additional  core  drilling  is  required  to 
confirm the classification of certain portions of the Resource as 
Indicated.

The necessary additional core drilling commenced with a new drill 
rig  purchased  in  November  2020.  This  drilling  programme  was 
designed to increase drillhole density in certain areas and confirm 
internal contacts. Logging and sampling of the core will be carried 
out  at  Letšeng  in  parallel  with  external  petrographic  analysis  to 
complete  the  work  required  for  the  Resource  and  Reserve 
Statement and the supporting technical report.

Diamond sales 
Travel and other COVID-19-related restrictions implemented in 
many  countries  worldwide,  and  particularly  in  Belgium,  Israel 
and India, impacted on the Group’s sales process. Flexible tender 
processes  were  successfully  introduced  in  strict  compliance 
with  COVID-19  health  and  safety  protocols, 
including 
appropriate  social  distancing  guidelines  and  sanitation 
measures.  This  allowed  for  sales  to  be  conducted  by  limited 
tender and/or allowing clients to view diamonds virtually before 
tendering.  Additional  rough  diamond  analysis  information  of 
selected  large  high-value  diamonds  was  provided  to  assist 
clients who could not physically attend the tenders to virtually 
view the diamonds prior to bidding on the tender platform.

Six rough diamond tender viewings were held in Antwerp and 
one in Tel Aviv during the year. A total of 99 172 carats were sold 
by Gem Diamonds Marketing Services (2019: 111 292). Letšeng 
generated  rough  diamond  revenue  of  US$189.2  million  
(2019:  US$182.0  million),  at  an  average  price  of  US$1  908  
per carat (2019: US$1 637). 

Capital projects 
Capital  requirements  for  2020  were  reviewed  as  a  result  of 
COVID-19 with savings realised and a portion of planned capital 
expenditure deferred to future years. During the year, the limited 
capital spend related to the progress of the resource and reserve 
statement, the expansion of the Patiseng Tailings Storage Facility 
and  the  initial  design  work  to  replace  the  ageing  primary 
crushing  area  (PCA).  Details  of  overall  costs  and  capital 
expenditure incurred at Letšeng during the period are included 
in the CFO’s report on pages 36 to 42.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
46

47

OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Business Transformation (BT) and Continuous 
Improvement (CI)
The Group’s Business Transformation (BT) programme started in 
2018,  with  the  goal  of  delivering  US$100  million  in  revenue, 
productivity and cost savings (against the 2017 base) by the end 
of 2021. 325 initiatives were identified to create a step change in 
efficiency, productivity and cost management, and to position 
Gem Diamonds favourably in its peer group. The BT programme 
included  four  primary  workstreams  –  mining,  processing, 
working capital and overheads, and corporate activities.

The  target  included  US$7.1  million  in  once-off  savings  and 
US$92.9  million  in  cumulative  recurring  annualised  benefits 
over  the  four-year  period.  This  target 
is  stated  net  of 
implementation  costs,  consultant  fees  and  an  employee 
incentive plan that rewarded the successful delivery of initiatives 
contributing to the overall target.

The successful implementation of the underlying initiatives over 
the  past  three  years  created  a  solid  operational,  financial  and 
cultural  platform  for  the  Group  to  navigate  the  challenging 
operating environment over the past few years and more recently 
to  absorb  the  external  shock  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  The 
process underpinning the material initiatives that contribute to 
the  US$100  million  target  are  embedded  and  sustainable  and, 
notwithstanding the 30-day shutdown and reduced operations 
in Q2 2020 which negatively impacted certain of the initiatives, 
the full delivery of the target by end 2021 remains on track. By the 
end of the year, the BT programme delivered US$79.2 million of 
the target. 

BT programme annual cash saving (US$ million)

CUMULATIVE
SAVING

21

2
1

13

5

2018

55

3

2

12

79

100

3

3

2

4

2

4

17

2019

16

2020

11

2021

MINING

PROCESSING

WORKING CAPITAL AND OVERHEADS

CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

2020

2021

2019

2018

Many of the BT processes focused on improved efficiencies in 
the  use  of  our  natural  resources,  which  also  mitigate  the 
operational impact on the natural environment. This supports 
the Group’s strategy of maximising benefit for our communities 
and minimising our impact on the environment.

(using 

The  transition  from  BT  to  CI  at  Letšeng  is  progressing  well.  CI 
focuses  on  behavioural  strategies  and  the  implementation  of 
indicators  for  effective  visual 
meaningful  key  performance 
management  and  problem 
the  5-WHY 
solving 
methodology)  at  all  levels.  CI,  supported  by  software  training, 
enables  the  Group  to  continuously  improve  efficiencies  by 
unlocking the inherent capabilities of employees at all levels to 
implement  CI  best  practices,  build  effective  teams  ,  drive 
incremental 
improvements  and  create  a  high-performance 
culture. The successful implementation of CI in the Mining area at 
Letšeng has resulted in marked operational efficiencies, such as 
improved adherence to drilling parameters and blasting quality, 
during  2020.  Roll-out  to  the  Treatment  and  Services  areas  has 
commenced.  Taskforce  members 
in  Treatment  have  been 
identified and they have undergone the introductory training.

4 300
HOURS 
of CI, leadership, visual management 
and problem solving

700
EMPLOYEES 
introduced to CI

Dam safety and integrity
Tailings  dam  integrity  is  an  ongoing  area  of  focus  for  mining 
companies and investors, in recognition of the possible adverse 
impact  that  a  failure  at  one  of  these  facilities  may  have  on 
human  lives  and  the  natural  environment.  Letšeng  has  three 
dams  on  site  –  (i)  the  Patiseng  tailings  storage  facility  (TSF), 
which is currently in use for the deposition of coarse and fine 
slimes tailings, (ii) the old TSF, which is a semi-dormant facility 
currently used only for emergency deposition of fines tailings, 
and (iii) the Mothusi Dam, which is the mine’s freshwater supply 
resource. These  dams  were  constructed  using  the ‘centre  line 
and  downstream  tipping’  method1.  Most  recent  dam  failures 
reported  in  the  mining  industry  were  related  to  dams  built 
using ‘upstream’ construction methods.

The  relevant  details  of  these  facilities  are  available  in  Gem 
Diamonds’ voluntary disclosure as part of the Investor Mining 
&  Tailings  Safety  initiative  set  up  by  the  Church  of  England, 
found  under  the  Company’s  name  at  
which  can  be 
http://tailing.grida.no/ 
. Read more about progress in 2020 
on page 50.

Reducing diamond damage
The  unique  diamond  distribution 
in  Letšeng’s  orebody 
comprises  a  high  proportion  of  larger  high-value  Type  II 
diamonds that are more susceptible to damage in mining and 
processing. Reducing diamond damage therefore provides an 
important  opportunity  for  Gem  Diamonds  to  significantly 
enhance revenue. 

Opportunities to reduce diamond damage that show 
the most potential include:

• 

• 

early identification of diamonds within kimberlite; and

 non-mechanical means of liberating these diamonds 
within kimberlite.

Over  the  last  five  years,  Gem  Diamonds  has  made  significant 
progress in identifying, validating and testing technologies from 
various  industries  that  show  potential  for  early  detection  and 
non-mechanical liberation of diamonds.

Following the successful proof of concept, the Group’s wholly 
Innovation  Solutions, 
owned  subsidiary,  Gem  Diamonds 
constructed and commissioned a pilot plant at Letšeng in 2019 
to  test  the  technology  under  operating  conditions.  The  pilot 
plant  combines  scanning  technology  that  uses  proprietary 

imaging  and  sorting  algorithms  to  detect  diamonds  within 
kimberlite  with  high-voltage  pulse  power  for  non-mechanical 
fragmentation  of  composite  materials 
the 
encapsulated diamonds. 

liberate 

to 

the 

impacted  by  COVID-19, 

A steering committee is in place to oversee the project, chaired 
by  the  CEO.  Advancing  of  the  pilot  during  the  year  was 
negatively 
revised  capital 
expenditure plan, inconstant electricity and water supply, and 
challenges  with  the  reliability  of  certain  key  components. The 
work done to date demonstrates the potential of the technology 
to reduce diamond damage and the Group remains committed 
to  the  project.  New  partners  were  identified  to  advance  the 
pilot processing plant to detect diamonds within kimberlite and 
further enhancement and testing will continue in 2021.

Providing clarity for customers

Increasing  consumer  interest  in  social  and  environmental 
factors when making buying decisions, particularly among 
younger  consumers,  provides  an  opportunity  for  ethical 
and responsible producers like Gem Diamonds. Blockchain 
technology  is  a  way  to  securely  link  the  source  of  rough 
diamonds  with  the  final  polished  diamonds,  proving  their 
authenticity,  provenance  and  traceability,  and  supporting 
ethical sourcing and processing in the diamond value chain. 
Solutions  currently  available  offer  consumers  information 
about the country of origin of their diamonds, as well as the 
positive impact the mine and the broader industry have on 
the communities and countries in which they operate. We 
have  been  participating  in  the  GIA’s  Diamond  Origin 
programme since the start of 2020 and have been sending 
large, high-value diamonds for rough analysis as time and 
lockdown regulations allow.

FUTURE FOCUS AREAS 2021
Our  focus  to  further  reduce  waste  stripping  will  continue.  An 
analysis  was  completed  in  2020  to  further  steepen  pit  slope 
angles. A trial to further steepen the west side of the Satellite 
pipe is scheduled to commence in H1 2021.

Following the completion of the design work of the replacement 
PCA, the application for funding continues while the appropriate 
timing  for  the  commencement  of  the  project 
is  being 
considered.

1 

 A discussion of the construction and applicability of the various types of tailings facilities is available on the International Council of Mining and Metals website at  
www.icmm.com/en-gb/environment/tailings.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202014EMPLOYEESfrom across the levels part  of CI Steering Committee15CHAMPIONStrained25EMPLOYEESmaking up taskforces12EMPLOYEESupskilled and accredited  as trainers through ‘train  the trainer’ principle48

49

SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

HIGHLIGHTS
• 

Lowest AIFR in a decade at 0.76

•  US$1.1 million spent implementing the COVID-19  

response plan at Letšeng

• 

• 

 The Group implemented a risk mitigation-based Safety 
Turnaround Strategy at Letšeng

ISO 14001 and 45001 certification retained

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 
are a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while 
protecting the planet. They recognise that ending poverty must 
go  hand  in  hand  with  strategies  that  build  economic  growth 
and address a range of social needs, including education, health, 
social  protection  and  job  opportunities  while  tackling  climate 
change  and  protecting  the  environment.  Focused  support  of 
the  UN  SDGs  reflects  a  growing  trend  among  companies  to 
align  their  existing  business  practices  with  broader  societal 
goals. The world’s top risks, as described in the World Economic 
Forum’s (WEF’s) Global Risks Perception Survey, are incorporated 
in the UN SDGs. If businesses are to protect their future supply 
chains and markets, these risks must be addressed.

Through our sustainability principles, a direct link exists between 
the three key priorities underpinning Gem Diamonds’ strategy, the 
delivery  of  maximum  value  for  stakeholders,  and  the  UN  SDGs. 
Gem Diamonds has, for several years, aligned its sustainability and 
business  practices  with  the  UN  SDGs.  The  exercise  has  been 
valuable  in  its  emphasis  on  the  mutual  support  between  global 
and local priorities, between business and sustainability outcomes, 
and between the Company and its stakeholders. 

Following extensive engagement, we have determined that the 
next step in this alignment is the institution of a rolling three-
year  cycle  of  commitment  to  specific  UN  SDGs  to  ensure  a 
targeted impact. The first three-year cycle commenced in 2020 
and focuses on the following UN SDGs:

 UN SDG 6: Sustainable management of water and sanitation

•  UN SDG 1: No poverty
•  UN SDG 3: Good health and well-being
• 
•  UN SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
•  UN SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
•  UN SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production

More  information  on  the  strategy  the  Group  has  adopted  
found  on  the  sustainability  reporting  platform  
can  be 
http://www.gemdiamonds-reports.co.za/reports/sd-2020/
working-towards-global-goals.php 

CLIMATE CHANGE
The Group undertook extensive work during 2019 to assess climate 
change-related  risks.  The  work  was  primarily  focused  on  our 
flagship operation, Letšeng, and the approach taken was aimed at 
identifying  both  current  and  future  climate  change-related  risks. 
Following this work, a climate change adaptation plan (CCAP) was 
developed and adopted by Letšeng at the start of 2020.

The CCAP focuses on two main areas:

• 

• 

 business continuity by adapting to climate change effects 
and minimising Greenhouse Gas (GHG) production; and

 ensuring safe and sustainable post-closure end land use 
that can withstand the impact of extreme weather events 
and meet closure objectives.

To  reinforce  this  climate  change-related  work,  the  Group  also 
aligned the UN SDG framework goals with the climate change 
management and mitigation goals. 

Task force on Climate related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD)
Climate  change  is  one  of  the  most  significant  risks  faced  by 
organisations  today,  and  its  short-  and  long-term  impacts  are 
often  misunderstood  and  therefore  not  adequately  disclosed.  
The TCFD is a voluntary disclosure platform to assist with guidance 
regarding consistent climate-related finance disclosure. 

During  2020  the  Group  was  faced  with  challenges  relating  to 
climate  change,  such  as  a  regional  drought  in  Lesotho.  The 
importance  of  making  adequate  climate  change-related 
financial  disclosure  is  evident  and  well  understood  by  Gem 
Diamonds.  The  Group  aims  to  include  this  information  in  
its 2021 financial year reporting.

Carbon footprint
In  2020,  the  total  carbon  footprint  for  the  Group  was  
140 040 tCO2e (compared to 172 968 tCO2e in 2019), primarily 
driven  by  electricity  consumption  and  mobile  and  stationary 
fuel combustion. This figure includes the direct GHG emissions 
(Scope  1),  energy-indirect  GHG  (Scope  2)  emissions,  and 
material  Scope  3  emissions.  It  was  calculated  in  accordance  
with  the  parameters  defined  by  the  GHG  Protocol  Corporate 
Accounting  and  Reporting  Standard.  The 
total  carbon  
footprint  for  Scope  1  and  Scope  2  emissions  combined  was  
117 443 tCO2e, compared to 143 229 tCO2e in 2019. Less than 
one percent of the Group’s total CO2 emissions resulted from its 
UK-based operations.

The  total  Group  footprint  signifies  a  19%  decrease  from  2019, 
and an 18% decrease for Scope 1 and 2, on which the intensity 
reporting  is  based.  The  observed  decrease  is  the  result  of  a 
decrease  in  the  use  of  diesel  in  both  mobile  and  stationary 
activities  at  Letšeng  mine,  attributable  to  the  impact  of  the 
COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns.

Intensity  reporting  is  required  to  demonstrate  the  Group’s 
carbon  efficiency  performance.  Therefore,  the  Group  tracks 
tonnes of CO2e emitted per employee and per carat recovered. 
The tonnes of CO2e per employee decreased from 87.1 tonnes 
of  CO2e  per  employee  in  2019  to  71.3  tonnes  of  CO2e  per 
employee  in  2020. This  was  mainly  due  to  an  increase  in  the 
number of employees and reduced activity throughout the year 
due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The 
ratio  for  tonnes  of  CO2e  per  carat  decreased  to  1.34  in  2020, 
compared  to  1.52  in  2019.  This  represents  a  12%  decrease, 
attributable to fewer carats mined and lower scope 1 emissions 
and 2 emissions at Letšeng mine. 

Water footprint
Fresh water is one of the most important and increasingly scarce 
commodities on earth. As water stewards, Gem Diamonds aims 
to understand related risks of water scarcity and pollution and 
undertakes  to  ensure  that  water  is  managed  sustainably. 
Monitoring the Group Water Footprint improves understanding 
of  the  Group’s  water  uses,  the  risks  associated  with  water  use 
and  the  impacts  within  the  catchments  where  the  Group 
operates.  As  such,  caring  for  water  sources  and  monitoring 
water usage are crucial practices both commercially and morally 
and help the Group maintain its social licence to operate.

In  2020  the  total  water  withdrawal  for  the  Group  was  
5  213  064m3,  an  8%  decrease  in  the  volume  used  in  2019  
of  5  635  805m3.  The  key  factor  in  the  decreased  water 
consumption  for  the  Group  was  reduced  activities  at  Letšeng 
due  to  COVID-19-related  restrictions.  In  2020,  the  total  water 
footprint  for  the  Group  was  45m3/carat  (2019:  40m3/carat)  
and 1.18m3 per ore tonne treated (2019: 1.19m3 per ore tonne 
treated).  The  changes  were  directly  related  to  the  decrease  
in tonnes treated and carats recovered in 2020.

Energy consumption
The  Group-wide  energy  consumption  (for  Scope  1  and  2 
activities) 
in  2020  was  336  814  167kWh,  compared  to  
382 740 833kWh in 2019. This represents a decrease in energy 
consumption  of  12%  from  2019  to  2020,  owing  to  decreased 
use of diesel at the Letšeng mine. Scope 1 energy consumption 
in  2020  was  274  175  556kWh.  This  represents  a  decrease  of  
12% from the 2019 figures, attributable to the decreased mobile 
and  stationary  combustion  at  the  Letšeng  mine.  Scope  2  
energy  consumption  was  62  638  611kWh  in  2020,  a  10.5% 
decrease  from  2019.  98%  of  the  Scope  1  and  2  energy 
consumption in 2020 is attributed to the Letšeng mine, and less 
than  one  percent  of  Scope  1  and  2  energy  consumption 
originated from our UK-based operations. 

Energy conservation initiatives implemented in 2019 continued 
at  the  Letšeng  Mine,  however  most  energy  consumption 
reductions  in  2020  can  be  attributed  to  reduced  operational 
activities as a result of COVID-19-related restrictions.  

CREATING A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT

COVID-19 
DETECTION 
AND 
MANAGEMENT 
PROTOCOL

Identifying potential COVID-19 cases as soon as possible 
before clinical care may be required

Isolating and quarantining potential COVID-19 cases off-site 
to immediately mitigate the risk of transmissions of infection 
to others 

Mitigating the risk of the spread of COVID-19 to employees 
and health professionals

Referring suspected and/or positive cases of COVID-19 either 
for observation at the national COVID-19 health facilities or 
home for mandatory self-quarantine

Supporting and consulting employees who are under 
quarantine or may have been infected

Managing the impact on people and operations according to 
the various official guidelines issued and practices adopted 
across the global mining and minerals sector

The Group implemented  
a Group-wide COVID-19 
Detection and Management 
Protocol at the start of the 
pandemic to ensure the 
welfare of employees, 
contractors and 
surrounding communities, 
and to curb the spread of 
COVID-19. The policies and 
procedures were guided by 
medical experts, various 
host country regulations 
and WHO 
recommendations. 
Processes and procedures 
were adapted as expert 
recommendations and 
government regulations 
evolved. 

thermal 

sanitising, 

screening,  X-ray 

A  wide  range  of  precautions  were  implemented,  including 
regular 
screening, 
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening, COVID-19 serology 
tests (rapid tests), promotion of sanitation measures, appropriate 
social  distancing,  compulsory  wearing  of  face  masks,  training 
and  counselling  and  the  provision  of  personal  protective 
equipment (PPE).

During  2020,  Letšeng  conducted  over  13  000  screening  tests. 
Employees  with  suspected  cases  of  COVID-19  were  safely 
transferred to their respective residences or national healthcare 

facilities  for  self-quarantine.  Sadly,  during  the  year,  two 
employees  passed  away  while  in  quarantine,  off  site. To  date, 
seven employees from Letšeng and its contractors have passed 
away from suspected COVID-19-related complications.

COVID-19  protocols  and  health  and  safety  measures  remain  in 
place and the Group continues to take all necessary precautions 
to protect its people as part of its COVID-19 response. The Group 
is working with the Government of Lesotho to secure vaccinations 
for the workforce and local communities.

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SUSTAINABILITY CONTINUED

GOVERNANCE

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Dam safety and integrity
Tailings  and  water  storage  facilities,  while  an  integral  part  of 
mining, also present one of the most significant potential hazards 
associated  with  the  industry.  Recent  tragedies  involving  the 
failure of tailings storage facilities have placed the mining industry 
under  intense  scrutiny,  highlighting  the  importance  of  risk 
management at every stage of the lifecycle of a tailings and water 
storage  facility.  Letšeng  proactively  manages  and  mitigates  the 
risk posed by both its TSF and raw water dam. The construction 
methods, operating procedures and inspections of the old and 
recently constructed tailings and water dams have been reviewed 
internally  and  with  independent  expert  consultants. The  dams 
are  built  and  maintained  according  to  sound  structural  and 
environmental  standards  that  align  with  international  best 
practice guidelines.

Letšeng has implemented a stringent dam safety management 
system encompassing daily, weekly and monthly safety checks 
and  inspections  by  internal  experts  as  well  as  quarterly  and 
annual audits by independent professional engineers. Any risks 
identified through the safety management system are mitigated 
and any required remedial steps are implemented immediately. 
Dam  safety  is  a  standing  agenda  item  at  operational  HSE 
subcommittee  meetings,  operational  Board  meetings,  Group 
Sustainability  subcommittee  meetings,  and  Group  Board 
meetings, where findings from the stringent safety monitoring 
processes are discussed and regularly reviewed. 

A comprehensive emergency management and early-warning 
system has been implemented by Letšeng to ensure any PACs 
located  downstream  of  the  facilities  receive  early  warnings  in 
case of an emergency. The communication and alarm systems 
are frequently tested and, to ensure the emergency readiness of 
response teams and communities, drills involving the mine site 
and downstream communities are held regularly. Training and 
awareness programmes have been implemented on site and at 
surrounding communities. 

The  International  Council  on  Mining  and  Metals  (ICMM),  the 
United  Nations  Environment  Programme  (UNEP)  and  the 
Principles  for  Responsible  Investment  (PRI)  co-convened  the 
Global Tailings Review to establish an international standard for 
the safe management of tailings storage facilities. The resulting 
Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management was launched 
in August 2020. A Senior Independent Technical Reviewer (SITR) 
was appointed in the third quarter of the year and introduction/
awareness  sessions  were  held  with  the  Gem  Diamonds 
Executive  Committee  as  well  as  the  Letšeng  Management 
Committee.  A  technical  visit  to  the  mine  was  undertaken  in 
November  2020;  and  the  compilation  of  a  draft  Independent 
Tailings Review Board (ITRB) structure and Terms of Reference is 
underway. The Group has implemented processes to proactively 
assess  conformance  to  the  new  standard  and  to  develop  an 
action plan to close any identified gaps.

OPTIMISING SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFIT
Lesotho  is  classified  by  the  World  Bank  as  a  lower-middle-
income country with high levels of unemployment, inequality 
and poverty. The Group therefore has a significant responsibility 
to  contribute  positively  and  sustainably  to  PACs  through 
excellent social practice and stakeholder engagement. To fulfil 
this responsibility, the Group set out to implement an ambitious 
in  2020.  However,  the  global  COVID-19 
CSI  programme 

pandemic and associated restrictions had a significant impact 
on  the  programme  and  a  number  of  planned  projects  were 
delayed to 2021. 

The  Group  invested  US$0.3  million  in  social  initiatives  during 
2020. The Group supports initiatives that benefit its PACs in the 
areas  of  health,  education, 
infrastructure  development, 
development of small to medium enterprises and environmental 
protection. It also makes donations to relevant causes. COVID-
19-related  aid  and  education  were  the  two  categories  that 
received  the  majority  of  the  investment  in  2020,  followed  by 
infrastructure.

COVID-19 Community investment
Gem Diamonds engaged extensively with stakeholders such as 
government, medical experts and surrounding communities in 
designing  its  response  to  and  protocols  for  the  COVID-19 
pandemic,  to  protect  employees  and  contractors,  and  to 
support Lesotho at a local and national level. 

Letšeng  partnered  with  the  Government  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Lesotho and the Ministry of Health to raise awareness regarding 
COVID-19 and distribute PPE and sanitiser in 10 villages in the 
neighbouring  Mokhotlong  District.  Training  and  support 
programmes  were  rolled  out  to  educate  the  workforce  and 
surrounding communities on COVID-19, the correct use of PPE, 
and  the  importance  of  social  distancing  and  proper  hygiene. 
Forty-eight community health workers were trained to lead the 
programmes in the surrounding communities.

Letšeng also provided necessary food parcels for those adversely 
affected by the pandemic in surrounding communities. 

At a national level, Letšeng supplied appropriate PPE and donated 
a four-room mobile structure to the Ministry of Health to use as 
a COVID-19 testing lab in Maseru.

PRIORITISING ENVIRONMENTAL 
PROTECTION
The Group has a duty of care for the natural environment where it 
operates. It takes this duty seriously and implements operational 
environmental management plans that aim to minimise, manage 
and mitigate potential environmental impacts. 

The environmental management system at Letšeng is aligned 
with the ISO 14001 standards and was audited and recertified in 
2020. No major or significant environmental incidents occurred 
at Letšeng for the twelfth consecutive year. 

Effective water management is key to the Group’s success and 
the  integrated  water  management  plan  continues  to  be 
implemented at Letšeng to safeguard ground and surface water 
resources. During 2020 work was done to manage both quantity 
and quality impacts of operational processes on water.

Because  mining  has  a  finite  lifespan,  the  Group  has  engaged 
with  independent  experts  at  both  Letšeng  and  Ghaghoo  to 
understand the quantum of work to be done to ensure safe and 
responsible  mine  closure  at  end  of  life  of  mine.  The  Group’s 
rehabilitation plans and resultant liability are externally reviewed 
on an annual basis. In 2020 the Group rehabilitation provision 
amounted to US$16.1 million. During 2020 Letšeng embarked 
on rehabilitation work on the Old Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) 
as well as the decommissioning of certain unused infrastructure 
on site. 

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CHAIRPERSON’S INTRODUCTION 
TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

“Good governance is never a difficult decision and extends far 
beyond oversight over financial performance.”
– Harry Kenyon-Slaney  –

FOCUS AREAS 2020
For  many  Boards  the  pandemic  presented  a  challenge  to  the 
efficacy of governance processes and policies and required scrutiny 
of the appropriateness of company culture, values and decision-
making ability. At Gem Diamonds it was our company vision and 
the way we do things (refer page 3) that proved to be the foundation 
to successfully negotiate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many  decisions  had  to  be  made  in  uncertain  circumstances  in 
response  to  safety,  operational  and  financial  challenges.  These 
decisions  were  not  difficult  to  make  as  our  values  of  care,  trust, 
respect and flexibility set the direction for ethical and agile responses. 
The Board’s and Committees’ primary focus areas included: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 ensuring sustainable operations, keeping employees  
and local communities safe and supporting the Lesotho 
Government during COVID-19;

ensuring delivery of the objectives of the BT programme;

enhancing the risk management systems and processes;

 maintaining disciplined financial control to increase cash 
realisation and repay debt; and

 considering an appropriate capital return strategy to 
shareholders.

FACTORING OTHERS INTO DECISION-MAKING

Fair shareholder 
engagement
• 

Engagement p 16

•  Conflict of interest p 62

Ethical business conduct
• 

 Culture, values and purpose p 3

• 

 Anti-bribery and corruption p 60

•  Human rights p 60

• 

Tax policy p 42

Impact of the community  
and environment
• 

TCFD p 48

• 

SDGs p 48

UNEARTHING 
UNIQUE 
POSSIBILITIES

S172

Long-term consequences
•  Capital allocation p 8

• 

• 

Business model p 6

Risk appetite and risk p 25

Employee interests
Engagement p 17
• 

•  Diversity p 65

• 

Remuneration p 93

Other stakeholder interests
•  Other engagement p 18

• 

• 

Supply chain p 19

 Payments to governments p 176

CHAIRPERSON’S INTRODUCTION TO CORPORATE  
GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL DECISIONS 2020
Please refer to our Committee reports on pages 69 to 109, which 
document  principal  decisions  taken  by  Board  Committees  as 
part of their mandate of support to the Board.

FUTURE FOCUS AREAS 2021
The  primary  focus  for  2021  will  remain  the  safety  of  our 
employees  and  PACs  as  we  manage  a  second  wave  and 
anticipate  further  waves  of  the  pandemic  in  southern  Africa. 
With  guidance  from  the  Sustainability  Committee  we  aim  to 
understand how the needs and perceptions of our stakeholders 
are changing as the pandemic impacts on them.

Our  Audit  Committee  will  continue  its  more  frequent  and  in-
depth investigation into risk practices and financial control.

This black swan event has highlighted the need for Boards to 
consist of appropriate expertise and aptitude. I am pleased to 
say that the skills and experience represented by Gem Diamonds’ 
Board  and  Executive  Committee  have  proven  invaluable.  The 
Board will continue to review the composition, skills, experience 
and diversity of the Board and Executive Management, as well 
as evolve the process for executive succession planning. 

The  Board  conducts  a  formal  annual  evaluation  of  its  own 
performance,  the  performance  of  the  Board  Committees  and 
individual Directors. Details of the 2020 evaluation process and 
outcomes are available on page 66. Outcomes will be actioned 
in the coming year.

GOVERNANCE
I am pleased to report that for the year under review, we have 
consistently  applied  the  principles  of  good  governance 
contained  in  the  UK  Corporate  Governance  Code  2018  and 
voluntary disclosures in relation to the Miscellaneous Reporting 
Regulation (MRR). Further information on our compliance with 
the  Provisions  of  the  Code,  is  available  within  our  2020 
Compliance Statement.

HOW WE PERFORM OUR DUTIES
The main methods used by the Directors to perform their duties 
include:

• 

• 

 the annual strategy review, which considers the concerns 
of key stakeholders and developments in regulations, 
governance requirements, current market conditions  
and the short-, medium- and long-term outlook  
(see pages 21 to 24;

 engagement monitoring with stakeholders to ensure the 
Group is cognisant of their main concerns and interests 
(see pages 15 to 20);

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 oversight of and responsibility for the Group’s risk 
management processes to ensure key risks are properly 
identified, assessed, mitigated and monitored;

 alignment of the organisational culture with our purpose 
and values and establishment of the ethical tone for the 
Group; 

 external assurance from audits and certification in terms  
of international management systems;

 assurance provided by the Sustainability Committee to the 
Board that appropriate systems are in place to identify and 
manage health, safety and environmental risks; and

 formal training or industry-specific insight sessions for 
Directors and senior managers to help them fulfil their roles.

TRANSPARENT REPORTING
The  Board  and  reporting  team  have  applied  their  minds  to 
ensure the Annual Report and Accounts 2020 is transparent and 
provides meaningful disclosures on our activities and values. 

FURTHER ENGAGEMENT
The  2021  AGM  will  be  held  on  Wednesday,  2  June  2021.  
Details  on  arrangements  for  the  meeting  will  be  available  in  
the Notice of AGM. 

If you have any questions on this report, any of the Committee’s 
activities  or  wish  to  discuss  any  aspect  of  our  governance 
arrangements, please contact me or my fellow Board members 
via our Company Secretary at ir@gemdiamonds.com.

SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT
The Board of Directors confirms that during the year under 
review, it has acted to promote the long-term success of the 
Company for the benefit of shareholders, while having due 
regard to the matters set out in section 172(1)(a) to (f ) of the 
Companies Act 2006, being:

(a)  the likely consequences of any decision in the long term;

(b)  the interests of the Company’s employees;

(c) 

 the need to foster the Company’s business 
relationships with suppliers, customers and others;

(d)   the impact of the Company’s operations on the 

community and the environment;

(e)   the desirability of the Company maintaining a 

reputation for high standards of business conduct; and

(f )  the need to act fairly between members of the Company.

Harry Kenyon-Slaney
Chairperson
10 March 2021

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55

GOVERNANCE AT A GLANCE

GOVERNANCE AT A GLANCE CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Good governance is not dependent on laws but on the principles 
and qualities of those who govern them

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

The Board

HIGHLIGHTS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
Board and committee meeting attendance 

UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
CODE- COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

 100%

Board members’ aggregate years of experience 

 195  YEARS

Board gender diversity

 14%

MAJOR BOARD DECISIONS
• 

Review of the appropriateness of incentive calculations

•  No political donations during 2020

• 

• 

 Oversight of the Group’s response to COVID-19

Financial investment to COVID-19 responses

The Board confirms that for the year ended 31 December 2020, 
the Principles of good corporate governance contained in 
the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) have 
been consistently applied. The Company fully complied 
with all the provisions of the Code, except for Provision 11 
and we have provided a full explanation on pages 62, 64 
and 70 of the current approach and future considerations.  
Page 55 illustrates how the Governance section has been 
structured around the Principles contained in the Code.

KEY GOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES
• 

 Supporting and overseeing management’s response  
to COVID-19

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Monitoring the Group’s cash-preservation and 
cash-generation initiatives

 Overseeing, interrogating and approving the annual 
strategy review

 Reviewing and debating key risks and mitigating 
actions with management

 Overseeing progress achieved in the BT and CI 
programmes

 Assessing significant estimates and judgements 
applied in the valuation of the carrying value of mining 
assets and impairment testing in the context of the 
impact of COVID-19 on pricing , production capabilities 
and exchange rate fluctuations

 Overseeing and supporting management’s 
engagements with funders to restructure Group debt

The Board is responsible for the overall conduct of the Group’s business, with its primary focus as follows:

• 

• 

 Setting the Group’s purpose and values and establishing the overall Group strategy and satisfying itself that these are aligned 
with its culture
 Ensuring the workforce policies and practices are consistent with the Group’s values and support its long-term success, and 
regularly assess and monitor the Group’s culture
 Establishing procedures to manage risk and oversee the internal control framework
 Considering the views of shareholders and other key stakeholders when making decisions
Ensuring adequate succession planning 

• 
• 
• 
•  Approving changes to the Group’s capital and corporate structure
•  Determining the remuneration policy
•  Monitoring the effectiveness of and reporting on corporate governance

Our strategy
p 21

Our principal 
risks and 
uncertainties
p 25

S172 statement
p 53

Delegation of certain matters to Board sub-committees

There are six formally constituted Committees of the Board, each of which has specific terms of reference.

Standing and Share 
Scheme Committee
• 

 Facilitate the 
administration of the 
Board’s delegated 
authority.

Audit  
Committee  
(p 75)

Reviewing and 
monitoring:
• 

 the integrity of the 
financial and narrative 
statements and other 
financial information 
provided to 
shareholders;

• 

• 

• 

 the Group’s system of 
internal controls and 
risk management;

 the internal and 
external audit process 
and auditors; and

 the processes for 
compliance with laws, 
regulations and 
ethical codes  
of practice.

Nominations 
Committee  
(p 69)
• 

 Ensure formal, rigorous 
and transparent 
procedure for 
appointment of new 
directors to the Board;

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Lead the process for 
Board appointments;

 Ensuring Board 
composition is 
regularly reviewed 
and refreshed;

 Oversee the 
development of a 
diverse pipeline for 
succession; and

 Work and liaise in 
respect of any 
remuneration package 
to be offered to any  
new appointment  
of the Board.

Sustainability 
Committee  
(p 72)
• 

 Promote a culture of 
zero harm and 
responsible care;

• 

• 

• 

 Minimise 
environmental impact 
and reduce resource 
consumption;

 Achieve the goal of 
sustainable 
development; and

 Review and monitor 
the Group’s approach, 
policies and measures 
on health, safety, 
corporate social 
responsibility and the 
environment.

Remuneration 
Committee  
(p 81)
• 

 Ensure remuneration 
policy and practices 
are designed to 
support strategy and 
promote long-term 
sustainable success 
and reward fairly and 
responsibly, with a 
clear link to corporate 
and individual 
performance, having 
regard to statutory and 
regulatory 
requirements; and

• 

 Ensure executive 
remuneration is 
aligned to purpose, 
values and attainment 
of long-term strategy.

The Board delegates the execution of strategy and the day-to-day management of the business to the Executive directors and management

Executive directors and management

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57

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DIRECTORATE AND EXECUTIVE 
MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORATE AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Gem Diamonds Non-Executive Directors meeting

Gem Diamonds Executive Directors and Executive Management meeting

Leave

1

2

3

4

5

1.  HARRY KENYON-SLANEY 

3.  MIKE BROWN  

5.  MAZVI MAHARASOA  

(60)

(60)

(51)

Independent non-Executive 
Chairperson

Independent non-Executive 
Director

BSc Geology (Southampton University), 
International Executive Programme 
(INSEAD France)

Chairperson

Member

2.  MICHAEL LYNCH-BELL  

(67)

Independent non-Executive 
Director

BA Hons Economics and Accountancy 
(University of Sheffield); FCA of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants in 
England and Wales

Chairperson

Member

BSc Engineering; Mining PR Eng (ECSA) 
Engineering (University of 
Witwatersrand); Strategic Executive 
Programme (London Business School)

Chairperson

Member

4.  JOHNNY VELLOZA  

(50)

Non-Executive Director

BSc Mining and Mineral Engineering 
(University of Johannesburg), BSc 
Business/Commerce General 
(University of South Africa)

Member

Non-Executive Director

LLM International and Commercial Law 
(University of Buckingham)

Member

Committee icons

  Audit

Remuneration

  Nominations

Sustainability

Summarised CVs available on page 182

Leave

7

9

6

8

6.  CLIFFORD ELPHICK  

(60)

Chief Executive Officer

BCom (University of Cape Town); BCompt Hons (University of 
South Africa)

8.  GLENN TURNER  

(60)

Chief Legal and Commercial Officer and  
Company Secretary

BA; LLB (University of Cape Town); LLM (Cambridge)

7.  MICHAEL MICHAEL  

(50)

Chief Financial Officer

BCom Hons (Rand Afrikaans University); CA(SA)

9.  BRANDON DE BRUIN  

(49)

Operations and Business Transformation Executive 

BCom; LLB (University of the Witwatersrand); Attorney  
(South Africa) and Solicitor (England and Wales)

Non-Executive Directors

Executive Directors

Executive Management

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59

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT

Board leadership and  
Group purpose

Effective Board

Purposes, values and culture

Pages 58 
 to 60

STRUCTURE OF THIS SECTION
The Governance section aligns with the structure and Principles 
(A to R) of the 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) 
and  illustrates  how  we  have  applied  the  Code  Principles  and 
complied with the Provisions. 

1.

A

B

C

D

E

2.

F

G

H

I

3.

J

K

L

Governance framework and Board resources

Stakeholder engagement

Workforce policies and practices

Division of responsibilities

Board roles

Independence

Pages 60 
 to 64

External commitments and conflicts of interest

Key activities of the Board in 2020

Composition, succession and 
evaluation

Pages 64 
 to 66

Appointments to the Board

Board skills, experience and knowledge

Annual Board evaluation

4.

Audit, risk and internal control

Pages 66 
 to 68

M Financial reporting 
External auditor

Internal audit

N

O

Review of the Annual Report 2020

Internal financial controls 

Risk management 

5.

Remuneration

Pages 82 
 to 109

P

Q

R

Linking remuneration with purpose and strategy

Remuneration Policy review 

Changes to policy and summary of process

Performance outcomes in 2020

Strategic targets

BOARD LEADERSHIP AND GROUP 
PURPOSE

Effective Board
The  Directors  bring  together  a  range  of  skills,  knowledge  and 
perspective,  with  extensive  experience  in  the  mining  industry 
(see page 182). The Board’s focus areas (page 52) support the 
guidance of the Code by promoting the long-term sustainable 
success of the Company, generating value for shareholders and 
contributing to wider society.

in  November  2020  and 

The  Board  oversees,  interrogates  and  approves  the  annual 
strategy review prepared by Executive Management. This year’s 
review  took  place 
included  an 
assessment of the continuing relevance of the strategy in the 
current local and global context. The review is conducted with 
an  appreciation  of  the  current  and  emerging  risks  that  could 
impact the Group (see page 25) and the degree to which the 
current  business  model  (see  page  6)  remains  appropriate  for 
long-term value creation. 

Key  areas  discussed  by  the  Board  during  the  strategy  review 
included:

• 

• 

 alignment of the strategic priorities with the Group’s 
purpose, vision, values and culture;

 the strategy’s contribution to the achievement of the 
Group’s vision in 2020, including its meaningful, sustainable 
contributions to the countries in which we operate;

•  performance against peers in the EMEA mining market;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

review of the updated mining plan at Letšeng; 

 updates on the diamond market and the impact of recent 
developments;

 opportunities to unlock value across operations and 
commodities, operational structure, capital restructuring, 
use of technology, cost efficiencies and strategic 
partnerships;

review of corporate activities; and

assessment of capital allocation policy.

The  Board  Committees  support  the  Board  by  focusing  on 
specific areas of the business (see page 55) and reporting back 
to the Board through their chairs to ensure that Board meetings 
use time effectively. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Purposes, values and culture
Workplace culture is measured against metrics such as turnover 
and  absenteeism  rates;  training  data;  recruitment;  reward  and 
promotion decisions; whistleblowing, grievance and ‘speak-up’ 
data, board interaction with senior management and workforce; 
promptness  of  payments  to  suppliers;  health  and  safety  data 
and an annual employee culture survey.

Governance framework and Board resources
The  Group’s  corporate  governance  framework  and  processes 
provide effective oversight of the business to ensure long-term 
value  creation  and  benefit  for  all  stakeholders.  Strategy 
development and execution is supported by: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

establishing clear lines of accountability and responsibility; 

 linking the strategic priorities to key performance 
indicators that can be tracked to monitor delivery on the 
strategy;

 ensuring regular feedback and sharing of information to 
inform timeous decisions;

 engaging with key stakeholders to ensure their concerns 
and interests are included where relevant (see page 15);

 maintaining an effective risk management framework (see 
page 25) aligned with the Group’s strategy and 
performance objectives, and supported by comprehensive 
internal controls and regular assurance; and

 including independent insight and knowledge from the 
non-Executive Directors.

The information supplied to the Board aims to strike a balance 
that provides the depth necessary for effective debate without 
being excessive. Where relevant, the person responsible for the 
report attends the Board meeting to provide further information 
and  give  Directors  the  opportunity  to  develop  a  deeper 
understanding of the issue. External subject matter experts are 
also invited to present in relevant areas to expose Directors and 
Executive Management to a broader range of views. 

Independent advice

All  Directors  have  access  to  Executive  Management  and  the 
advice  and  services  of  the  Company  Secretary. The  Company 
Secretary  is  accountable  to  the  Board  for  compliance  with  all 
governance matters and assists with professional development 
as required. 

All  Directors,  either  independently  or  collectively,  may  take 
independent  professional  advice  at  the  expense  of  the 
Company,  in  the  conduct  of  their  duties,  subject  to  prior 
consultation with the Chairperson. 

Company Secretary

The Company Secretary has access to an independent firm of 
Chartered Secretaries in Public Practice. Bruce Wallace Associates 
is engaged to ensure all company secretarial and governance 
issues are attended to and the Board is apprised of all compliance 
and best practice matters throughout the year.

Protection

In  accordance  with  the  Company’s  Articles  of  Association,  the 
Company has, and continues to maintain, indemnities granted by 
the Company to the Directors of the Company and the Company’s 
associated companies, to the extent permitted by and consistent 
with BVI law and the UK Companies Act, 2006 and rules made by 
the UK Listing Authority. Neither the insurance nor the indemnity 
provides cover where the Director or Group employee has acted 
fraudulently or dishonestly.

Stakeholder engagement
The Board recognises the enhanced responsibilities of the Code 
for  the  Board  to  engage  with  its  workforce  and  the  wider 
community of stakeholders. Pages 15 to 20 contains a detailed 
analysis of stakeholder engagement during 2020.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Due to restrictions on travel and public gatherings at the time, 
the  2020  AGM  took  place  as  a  closed  meeting.  The  meeting 
addressed the formal resolutions in the notice of meeting and 
shareholders  were  invited  to  submit  questions  in  advance. 
Voting on all resolutions was conducted by poll vote. The results 
of  the  resolutions  were  announced  through  the  Regulatory 
News Services and on the Company’s website.

if  any  resolution  put  to 
In  accordance  with  the  Code, 
shareholders  receives  over  20%  votes  against,  the  Board  will 
seek  to  actively  engage  with  investors  to  understand  their 
concerns  and  publish  a  report  on  the  actions  taken  and  any 
next steps within six months of the meeting. As discussed on 
page 16, at the 2020 AGM three resolutions received more than 
20% votes against and members of the Board and the Executive 
Management team engaged in consultation with several of the 
Company’s  larger  shareholders  on  the  concerns  raised.  The 
Company  released  an  updated  statement  in  December  2020  
on  actions  taken  in  response  to  the  votes  received,  which  
can 
Company’s  website  
www.gemdiamonds.com. 

viewed 

the 

on 

be 

The 2021 AGM will be held on Wednesday, 2 June. Details of the 
resolutions  to  be  proposed  at  the  AGM  can  be  found  in  the 
Notice  of  AGM,  which  will  be  published  on  the  Company’s 
website and sent to shareholders who requested to continue to 
receive paper copies a minimum of 20 business days before the 
meeting. Shareholders who receive electronic communications 
can access the Annual Report and Accounts 2020 and the AGM 
documentation through the Company’s website.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202060

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Workforce policies and practices

Employee policies and involvement

The  Group  prioritises 
the  health,  safety  and  effective 
performance  of  employees,  in  conjunction  with  maintaining 
positive  employee  relations.  The  Group  encourages  a  direct 
relationship  with  open  communication  between  employees 
and management. Employees are informed about the Group’s 
performance  and  objectives  through  direct  and  continuous 
communication  with  management  as  well  as  the  Company’s 
website, published information, the circulation of press cuttings 
and  Group  announcements.  Equal  opportunity  forms  the 
foundation  of  employment  within  the  Group  and  Gem 
Diamonds  is  committed  to  achieving  equality  irrespective  of 
gender, religion, race or marital status. Full consideration is given 
to  applications  from  people  with  disabilities  who  apply  for 
positions they can adequately fill, having regard for their abilities 
and aptitude. Where existing employees become disabled, it is 
the  Group’s  policy,  where  practical,  to  provide  continuing 
employment under normal terms and conditions and to provide 
training,  career  development  and  promotion  to  disabled 
employees wherever possible.

Employment practices within the Group are designed to attract 
and retain top-calibre management and employees by creating 
a  work  environment  that  incentivises  enhanced  performance. 
Guidelines  and  frameworks  covering  remuneration  benefits, 
performance  management,  career  development,  succession 
planning, 
the 
alignment of human resources management and policies have 
line  with 
been 
international  best  practice.  Each  operating  unit  manages  its 
human  resources  requirements  locally,  within  the  Group’s 
guidelines and frameworks.

recruitment,  expatriate  employment  and 

implemented  by  the  Group  and  are 

in 

The Modern Slavery Statement, in accordance with the Slavery 
Act, is updated and published via the Group website annually.

Bribery Act

its  employees, 

involving  any  of 

The Group has a zero-tolerance approach to acts of bribery and 
corruption 
third-party 
representatives  or  associates  and  is  committed  to  upholding 
and complying with the requirements of the UK Bribery Act. The 
Group’s terms of business require all customers and third parties 
with  whom  business  is  transacted  to  adopt  the  same  zero-
tolerance approach to bribery and corruption as implemented 
by the Board. The Group anti-bribery and corruption policy was 
updated  and  approved  by  the  Board  in  November  2020.  
The updates comprised refinements and clarifications. 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report page 75. 

Whistleblowing programme

Employees  can  report  any  breach  of  the  Group’s  business 
principles  including,  but  not  limited  to,  bribery,  breaches  of 
ethics,  and 
independently  operated  and 
confidential toll-free phone hotlines in each country where the 
Group operates or through a confidential webpage.

fraud  through 

All whistleblowing incidents reported are referred by the Group 
Internal Auditor or Company Secretary for investigation by the 
relevant  operations.  Incidents  are  fully  investigated,  and  the 
results  are  reported  to  the  Boards  of  local  operations  and  the 
Group’s  Audit  Committee.  Group  Internal  Audit  periodically 
reviews the design and effectiveness of the hotline and reports 
the results to the Audit Committee. 

The Group whistleblowing facility was successfully migrated to 
a new service provider during the year and the Group Fraud and 
Whistleblowing Policy was revised to reflect the new information 
and  to  provide  clarity  on  reporting  lines  in  the  event  of 
suspected improprieties. 

The  Board  is  satisfied  that  the  whistleblowing  programme  is 
being used correctly. During the year, 19 reports were received 
and  five  test  calls  were  made  to  test  and  verify  the  system 
efficiency.  Out  of  the  19  reports,  17  were  closed  before  the  
end  of  the  year  and  two  remain  under  investigation.  The 
engagement  with  an  employee 
(see  
page  17)  indicated  that  further  training  and  awareness  was 
needed on the whistleblowing facility and this will be prioritised 
in 2021. 

forum  at  Letšeng 

Data protection

The  Group’s  Privacy  Policy  can  be  found  on  its  website  
at  www.gemdiamonds.com/privacy.php. 
  A  dedicated  
email  address  is  available  for  any  correspondence  relating  
to 
queries  
protection 
is  reviewed  by  
dataprotection@gemdiamonds.com  which 
the  Chief  Legal  and  Commercial  Officer.  No  correspondence 
was received during the year.

privacy 

data 

and 

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Board roles
The  governance  framework  on  page  59  sets  out  the  primary 
role of the Board.

The Board meets on a regular basis focusing on strategic issues, 
such as operational and financial performance, risk management 
and other critical business concerns and has a formal schedule 
of matters reserved for its decision. The agenda for each Board 
meeting  includes  discussion,  decision-making  and  sufficient 
time  and  appropriate  resource  allocation  surrounding  these 
matters. 

While all Directors have equal responsibility in terms of the law 
for  managing  the  Group’s  affairs,  Executive  Management  is 
responsible  for  managing  the  business  within  the  parameters 
established by the Board and for producing clear, accurate and 
timely information and reports to enable the Board to monitor 
and assess the Group’s performance. The Board reviews financial 
and  operational  performance  at  each  meeting  and  receives 
regular updates on the Group’s performance across a range of 
metrics. Regular reports presented to the Board include health 

and  safety  reports,  tailings  facility  integrity  reports,  operations 
reviews,  sales,  marketing  and  manufacturing  reports,  half-year 
and full-year financial results, employee surveys, BT and CI status 
and  investor  relations  updates.  Executive  management  draws 
on the expertise and experience of the non-Executive Directors.

Directors  are  encouraged  to  express  their  views  freely  and, 
where they have concerns about the running of the Group or a 
proposed course of action, they may ask that these be recorded 
in  the  minutes  where  appropriate.  No  such  concerns  were 
raised during 2020.

Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer

The respective responsibilities of the Chairperson and the Chief 
Executive Officer are clearly defined and separate. The Board has 
operated  on  this  basis  for  14  years,  thereby  ensuring  a  clear 
division of responsibilities between the leadership of the Board 
and  the  executive  leadership  of  the  Company’s  business.  
The  Chairperson  is  responsible  for  creating  the  conditions  for 
the effective working of the Board. The CEO is responsible for 
the  leadership,  operations  and  management  of  the  Group 
within  the  strategy  and  business  plan  agreed  by  the  Board.  
Their individual responsibilities, together with the responsibilities 
of the Senior Independent Director and non-Executive Directors, 
align with the requirements of the Code and are detailed on the 
following pages. 

Roles of the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer

Chairperson, Harry Kenyon-Slaney

CEO, Clifford Elphick

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ensuring effective operation and providing leadership to 
the Board, and setting the highest standards of corporate 
governance

Providing strategic guidance to the executive team

Setting the agenda, style and tone of Board discussions

 Through the Nominations Committee, ensuring the Board 
comprises individuals with appropriate skill sets, experience, 
knowledge and diversity and there are succession plans in 
place for the Board and senior management team

 Ensuring the Company maintains effective communication 
with shareholders and the Board understands their views 
and concerns

 Working with the CEO to ensure the Board receives accurate 
and timely information on the performance of the Group

 Leading the annual evaluation of the performance of the 
Board, its Committees and individual Directors

 Encouraging a culture of openness and discussion to foster 
a high-performing collegial team of Directors

 Ensuring that relevant stakeholder and shareholder views, 
as well as strategic issues, are regularly reviewed, clearly 
understood and underpin the work of the Board

Facilitating the relationship between the Board and the CEO

 Ensuring adequate time is available for discussion on all 
agenda items

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Developing a business strategy for the Group to be 
approved by the Board

 Producing the business plans for the Group to be approved 
by the Board

 Overseeing the management of the executive resource and 
succession-planning processes and presenting the output 
from these to the Board and Nominations Committee

 Ensuring effective business and financial controls and risk 
management processes are in place across the Group, as 
well as compliance with all relevant laws and regulations

 Making recommendations to the Board on the appropriate 
delegation of authority within the Group

 Keeping the Board informed about the performance of the 
Group and bringing to the Board’s attention all matters that 
materially affect, or are capable of materially affecting, the 
performance of the Group and the achievement of its 
strategy

 Developing, for the Board’s approval, appropriate values and 
standards to guide all activities undertaken by the Group

 Providing clear and visible leadership in responsible 
business conduct

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Roles of the Senior Independent Director and non-Executive Directors

Senior Independent Director, Michael Lynch-Bell

Non-Executive Directors

Key activities of the Board in 2020

Key activities of the Board in relation to various focus areas:

Acting as a sounding board for the Chairperson

Serving as an intermediary for other Directors if necessary

Acting as a sounding board for the Chairperson

Scrutinising  the  performance  of  Executive  Management  in 
meeting  agreed  goals  and  objectives  and  monitoring  the 
reporting of performance

 Reviewing  the  integrity  of  financial  information  and  determining 
whether internal controls and systems of risk management are robust

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Determining the Company’s policy for executive 
remuneration, as well as the remuneration packages for the 
Chairperson and Executive Directors through the 
Remuneration Committee

 Ensuring a satisfactory dialogue with shareholders on 
strategy, remuneration policy and other relevant matters as 
well as engagement with key stakeholders

 Strengthening links between the Board and the workforce 
by designating a non-Executive Director who, in 
conjunction with management, will develop and 
implement workforce engagement initiatives and report to 
the Board on relevant matters, or issues of concern, 
highlighted by the workforce

 Providing a wide range of skills and independence, 
including independent judgement on issues of strategy, 
performance and risk management

For more information on the roles of Board Committees please refer www.gemdiamonds.com/investors-corporate-governance.php. 

Independence
Non-Executive  Directors  are  required  to  be  independent  in 
character and judgement. In applying the independence test, the 
Board considers relationships with Executive Management, major 
shareholders,  subsidiary  and  associated  companies  and  other 
parties  with  whom  the  Company  transacts  business  against 
predetermined  materiality  thresholds.  The  Board  considers  the 
majority of the non-Executive Directors, ie Harry Kenyon-Slaney, 
Michael  Lynch-Bell  and  Mike  Brown,  to  be  independent  in 
accordance  with  the  Code.  Both  Johnny  Velloza  and  Mazvi 
Maharasoa bring a wealth of skills and experience to the Board. 
However,  under  the  criteria  of  the  Code,  they  cannot  be 
considered  independent  due  to  their  previous  roles  within  the 
Group.  Both  Johnny  and  Mazvi  are  members  only  of  the 
Sustainability Committee (previously called the HSSE Committee). 
Our  Nominations  Committee  report  on  page  69  discusses  the 
matter in more detail. 

The letters of appointment for the non-Executive Directors and 
the  contracts  of  the  Executive  Directors  are  available  for 
inspection at the place of business of the Company in London.

External commitments and conflicts of interest

External commitments

External  commitments  are  detailed  in  the  Directors’  CVs  on  
page 182.

Conflicts of interest

The UK Companies Act (the Act) requires directors to avoid any 
situation where they may have a direct or indirect interest that 
conflicts,  or  may  conflict,  with  the  Group’s  interests,  unless 
approved  by  the  non-interested  directors.  In  accordance  with 
this Act, the Company operates a procedure, which was updated 
and  approved  by  the  Board  during  the  year,  to  ensure  the 
disclosure of conflicts and, if appropriate, the consideration and 
authorisation  of  them  by  non-conflicted  Directors.  The  Board 
maintains  a  register  of  ‘conflicts  of  interest’  that  it  reviews 
annually (most recently in March 2021). The Company voluntarily 
complies  with  this  requirement.  The  Board  considered  all 
external Directors’ appointments made during the year.

Dealings in shares and the EU market abuse regime

The Company’s share dealing policy and reporting procedures 
are in line with the EU Market Abuse Regulations implemented 
in July 2016.

Related-party transactions 

Other than those disclosed in Note 26 of the financial statements, 
the  Company  did  not  have  any  transactions  with,  nor  did  it 
make  loans  to,  related  parties  during  the  period  in  which  any 
Director had any interest.

Operational 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Oversight of the Group’s response to COVID-19

 Oversight of Safety Turnaround Strategy implemented at Letšeng

 Review of quarterly management reports on operational performance

 Review and approval of the 2021 business plan

 Oversight of progress achieved in the BT and CI programmes

 Review of progress on technology initiatives

 Updates on Mineral Resource Management and the mapping of resources

Strategy and financing

•  Annual strategy review in November 2020

•  Ongoing review of KPIs to assess delivery of strategy during the year

•  Monitoring of the Group’s cash-preservation and cash-generation initiatives

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Oversight of the process of ensuring access to funding facilities and rolling 
over of debt falling due or expiring

Review and approval of planned capital expenditure

Review of risk management processes and updated risk register (including 
emerging risks)

 Review of updates from the Audit Committee on internal control and 
assurance functions

 Review of regular updates from the Sustainability Committee on health and 
safety, environmental and CSI initiatives

Review of the impact of the increased risk perception of insurance markets 
on risk management

Regular review of financial performance and position

•  Monitoring of cash flow forecasts 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Review of updates from the Remuneration Committee on key focus areas

 Review and approval of quarterly updates, interim results and final results 
and the relevant announcements

 Review and approval of the 2019 Annual Report and Accounts, and the 
Sustainability Report

  Monitoring and maintenance of the separation of roles between 
Chairperson and CEO

 Annual review and update of Committee terms of reference and evaluation 
of Committee composition

•  Approval of appointments to the Board Committees

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Review and approval of updates to key policies

Participation in annual evaluation of the Board, Committees and Directors

Review of regular governance updates from the Company Secretary

Review of matters reserved for the Board

Review of Directors’ independence and conflicts of interest

 Engagement with significant shareholders and the Remuneration Committee 
regarding the votes against resolutions 14, 15 and 16 at the 2020 AGM

Refer pages 15 to 20

•  Measuring the Group’s culture through an annual employee culture survey 

and other approved metrics

Risk management and 
internal control

Corporate and 
performance reporting

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Meeting attendance 

Four scheduled Board meetings and two special meetings of the Board were held during 2020. The terms of reference for the Audit, 
Nominations, Sustainability and Remuneration Committees can be viewed on the Group’s website together with the matters reserved 
for the Board. www.gemdiamonds.com/investorscorporate-governance.php. 

If  Board  approval  is  required  between  Board  meetings,  Board  members  are  emailed  the  details,  including  supporting  information  for 
decision-making. The decision of each Board member is communicated, recorded and ratified as necessary, at the following Board meeting.

100% attendance of all members at the Board and subcommittee meetings during 2020.

Director

Executive Board members
C Elphick
M Michael

Non-Executive Board members
H Kenyon-Slaney
M Lynch-Bell
M Brown
J Velloza
M Maharasoa

Board: 
6 held

Audit:
4 held

Remuneration:
4 held

Nominations:
4 held

Sustainability:
4 held

6/6
6/6

6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6

N/A
N/A

N/A
4/4
2/2
2/2
2/2

N/A
N/A

4/4
4/4
4/4
N/A
N/A

N/A 
N/A

4/4
4/4
4/4
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

2/2
N/A
4/4
4/4
4/4

M Brown joined 

H Kenyon-Slaney joined

Audit Committee 

J Velloza and M Maharasoa 
stepped down

September 2020

Sustainability 
Committee 

Non-Executive Directors’ meetings 

The  non-Executive  Directors  meet 
independently  of  the 
Executive Directors, in accordance with the practice adopted by 
many listed companies.

COMPOSITION, SUCCESSION AND 
EVALUATION

Appointments to the Board
The  Code  requires  that  the  procedure  for  appointing  new 
Directors is formal, rigorous and transparent, and appointments 
are  made  on  merit,  against  objective  criteria  and  with  due 
regard for the benefits of diversity on the Board. Recruitment to 
the Board has, since 2007, been based on recommendation. In 
line with the Nominations Committee’s objective to review the 
composition of the Board, Jack Hammer Executive Search has 
been appointed as an independent, external search consultant 
to assist with this process. Neither Jack Hammer, nor any of the 
other companies in the same group, provides other services to 
the Group or is in any other way connected to the Group, and 
therefore Jack Hammer is considered to be independent.

The Board comprises a broad and highly relevant skill set, and 
the Nominations Committee continues to make appointments 
based  on  merit  while  considering  diversity  (of  gender,  social 
and ethnic background), cognitive and personal strengths and 
the specialist skill set required by the business. Further details 
are included in the Nominations Committee Report.

Re-election

The Nominations Committee’s section of this report is set out on 
pages 69 to 71. The Articles of Association (81) provide that a 
third of Directors retire annually by rotation and, if eligible, offer 
themselves  for  re-election.  However,  in  accordance  with  the 
Code, at each AGM all the Directors retire and, subject to being 
eligible, offer themselves for re-election. Details of the Directors’ 
service  contracts  are  included  on  pages  90  and  92.  The 
Nominations  Committee  has  considered  and  concluded  that 
the  Board  has  demonstrated  commitment  to  its  role.  The 
Committee is also satisfied that the collective skills, experience, 
background and knowledge of the Company’s Directors enable 
the Board and its Committees to conduct their respective duties 
and responsibilities effectively.

Board skills, experience and knowledge
The Board annually reviews the composition and chairmanship 
of  its  primary  Committees,  namely  the  Audit,  Nominations, 
Sustainability  and  Remuneration  Committees.  The  Company 
complies with the requirement of the Code that there should be 
a balance of Executive and non-Executive Directors so that no 
individual or group can dominate the Board’s decision-making.

opportunities  and  enhancing  the  Group’s  operations  in  sales 
and marketing strategies. 

Knowledge  of  financial  markets  is  also  necessary  to  ensure 
fulfilment of the Group’s strategy. The CVs, which can be found 
on  pages  182  to  185,  provide  more  information  on  each 
Director’s competencies. All Directors allocate sufficient time to 
the Group to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.

As  a  mining  company,  the  efficiency  of  the  day-to-day 
operations, in both the medium and long term, is essential to 
the Group’s progress in producing shareholder value. Knowledge 
of  the  diamond  industry  is  crucial  to  fostering  new  business 

The non-Executive Directors possess a range of experience and 
competencies  and  bring  independent  judgement  to  bear  on 
issues of strategy, performance and resources that is vital to the 
success of the Group.

Board skills and experience (%) 

BOARD EXPERTISE

BOARD AND EXECUTIVE EXPERTISE

81

81
81

67

71

67

67

62
62

57

52

International experience

Industry

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Financial 

Operational

Environmental, social

Business development 

Human resources 

Capital markets and deal making

Regulatory 

Marketing

Legal 

Technology/digital 

Social media, communications

4
4

41

33

29

14

5

5

85

81

78

67

67

67

70

67

63

63

56

Board diversity
The  Board  recognises  the 
importance  of  the  Hampton-
Alexander  reviews  as  well  as  the  Parker  reviews  and  their 
objective to improve gender and ethnic diversity in executive 
leadership  and  senior  management.  Similarly,  the  Board  is 
conscious  of  the  trends  evidenced  in  the  Code  to  increase 
diversity in boardrooms. There is a focus from the Board on gender 

Female

Ethnic minority

and ethnic diversity at Board level and in the succession pipeline. 
The Group recognises the importance of diversity at all levels and 
the diversity and inclusion policy covers both Board diversity and 
the  Company’s  approach  across  the  organisation.  The  current 
succession  pipeline  for  direct  reports  into  senior  management 
reflects 33% gender and 70% ethnic diversity.

BOARD

14%

14%

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

17%

33%

0%

0%

100%

100%

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED

Succession  planning  is  a  key  priority  across  the  Group  with  a 
focus on the development of women and ethnic minorities into 
leading roles, which drives a diverse pipeline of talent. 

Further detail on the Group framework to succession planning 
can  be  found  in  the  Nominations  Committee  report  on  
page 69. 

More  information  on  gender-based  employment  is  contained 
in  the  Sustainable  Development  Review  on  the  Company’s 
website www.gemdiamonds.com. 

Training and induction

A formal and tailored induction is provided to new Directors on 
joining  the  Board.  This  includes  meetings  with  management 
and access to external auditors and covers the Board Committees 
they  join.  In  addition,  ongoing  support  and  resources  are 
provided  to  Directors  to  extend  and  refresh  their  skills, 
knowledge  and 
familiarity  with  the  Group.  Professional 
development and training are provided through four measures:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 providing regular updates on changes (actual and 
proposed) in laws and regulations affecting the Company 
or its business;

 planning, including site visits, to ensure Directors are 
familiar with Group operations, including its commitment 
to and application of the Group’s corporate and social 
responsibility policies;

 creating opportunities for professional and skills training, 
such as Committee chairmanship; and

 through appropriate Board presentations and formal 
professional seminars.

Site visits

Visiting  the  Group’s  operations  and  interacting  with  senior 
management and employees is an integral part of the Directors’ 
ongoing  knowledge  of  the  business.  Travel  restrictions  in 
response  to  COVID-19  limited  the  opportunity  for  site  visits 
during 2020. Executive Directors and management visited the 
operations on a regular basis as part of their day-to-day business 
in the period before lockdown and again once travel restrictions 
were eased. Mike Brown and Johnny Velloza visited Letšeng in 
January and November.

Annual Board evaluation
In  accordance  with  the  Code,  the  Board  is  responsible  for 
undertaking a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of its own 
performance  and  that  of 
individual 
Directors. As the Board had previously undertaken an external 
evaluation,  it  was  agreed  that  an  internal  evaluation  was 
appropriate  for  this  year.  In  September  2020,  the  Board 
undertook an evaluation facilitated by Bruce Wallace Associates. 
The  review  was  initiated  by  the  Board  and  arranged  by  the 
Nominations  Committee  and  covered  both  overall  and 

its  Committees  and 

formulation,  stakeholder  engagement  and 

individual performance as well as effectiveness of the Board and 
its  Committees.  The  review  took  the  form  of  a  questionnaire 
based  on  a  number  of  themes  including  the  Board  and 
Company’s  response  to  events  of  the  preceding  months, 
strategy 
risk 
management.  The  findings  were  consolidated  into  a  report 
which,  along  with  a  number  of  recommendations,  was 
circulated to all Directors and discussed at the November 2020 
Board meeting. One-on-one meetings were held between the 
Chairman  and  the  non-Executive  Directors  to  discuss  the 
outcomes  of  the  Board  evaluation  and  separate  meetings 
between the Chairman and the CEO will be held in early 2021. 
The  overall  findings  from  the  evaluation  were  positive  and 
demonstrated significant progress on some of the key findings 
from 
for 
the  previous  year’s  evaluation.  Tactical  areas 
improvement were identified, including: 

• 

• 

• 

 composition of the Board as it relates to independence 
requirements; 

 the need to develop a thorough and transparent appointment 
process in the event of Board appointments; and 

 the need to improve the effectiveness of stakeholder 
engagement. 

The Board and Committees are in the process of implementing 
the recommendations from the evaluation. 

AUDIT, RISK AND INTERNAL CONTROL

Financial reporting 
The  Board  is  conscious  of  its  responsibility  to  present  a  fair, 
balanced  and  understandable  assessment  of  the  Group’s 
position and prospects and is satisfied that the Strategic Report 
on  pages  2  to  50  meets  this  obligation.  The  Responsibility 
Statement of the Directors in respect of the Annual Report and 
Accounts 2020 is set out on page 114.

Financial  reporting  to  the  Board  is  continuously  modified  and 
enhanced  to  cater  for  changing  circumstances.  The  Group’s 
comprehensive  planning  and  financial  reporting  procedures 
include detailed operational business plans for the year ahead and 
a  three-year  rolling  plan.  The  Board  reviews  and  approves  the 
Group’s  annual  business  plan,  which  is  prepared  in  co-operation 
with all Group functions based on specified economic assumptions. 
Performance is monitored and relevant action taken throughout 
the year through monthly reporting of KPIs and updated forecasts 
for the year, together with information on key risk areas.

In  addition,  routine  management  reports,  including  results  to 
date  and  updated  forecasts  for  the  year,  are  prepared  and 
presented  to  the  Board.  Detailed  consolidated  management 
accounts, as well as an executive summary, are circulated prior 
to  each  scheduled  Board  meeting.  Between  Board  meetings, 
summary update reports covering matters such as operational 
performance, sales results, cash flow and progress on strategic 
issues are circulated to Board members and senior executives.

External auditor
A principle of the Code is that the Board should establish formal 
and  transparent  arrangements  for  considering  how  it  should 
apply the financial reporting and internal control principles and 
for  maintaining  an  appropriate  relationship  with  the  Group’s 
external auditor, EY. These responsibilities are delegated to and 
discharged by the Audit Committee.

The lead audit partner is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. 
Further  information  regarding  the  appointment  of  EY  SA  is 
detailed in the Audit Committee Report on pages 75 to 79.

As required under section 418 of the Companies Act, 2006, to 
which the Directors have voluntarily elected to conform, each 
Director confirms that to the best of their knowledge and belief, 
there  is  no  information  relevant  to  the  preparation  of  the 
Auditor’s  Report  of  which  the  Company’s  auditor  is  unaware 
and  the  Directors  have  taken  all  reasonable  steps  to  make 
themselves  aware  of  any  relevant  audit  information  and 
establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

A resolution to reappoint EY SA as the Company’s auditor and to 
authorise  the  Board  to  determine  the  auditor’s  remuneration 
will be proposed at the 2021 AGM.

Internal audit 
The Group internal audit function, as an independent assurance 
provider,  is  an  important  element  of  the  overall  process  by 
which the Audit Committee and the Board obtain the required 
assurance  that  risks  are  being  effectively  managed  and 
controlled  and  the  Group’s  control  environment  is  adequate 
and effective. 

The  Group  Internal  Audit  function  is  provided  through  an  
in-house Internal Audit team supplemented by external industry 
experts when required. The Group Internal Audit team reports 
directly  to  the  Audit  Committee  and 
is  responsible  for  
co-ordinating  the  Group’s  risk-based  audit  approach  and 
evaluating  its  effectiveness.  The  team  contributes  to  the 
improvement  of  the  risk  management  process,  control 
environment  and  governance  systems.  Various  ad  hoc 
assignments are also performed during the year at the request 
of management.

The  risk-based  audit  plan,  approved  by  the  Audit  Committee, 
covers  all  operating  units,  focusing  on  the  principal  risks.  It 
involves discussions with management on the risks identified in 
the  subsidiaries’  and  Group  risk  registers,  emerging  risks, 
operational changes and capital projects. Findings and agreed 
actions are reported to management and the Audit Committee.

Review of the Annual Report and Accounts 2020
The Board, supported by the Audit Committee, is responsible for 
ensuring the integrity and completeness of the Group’s Annual 
Report and Accounts and Half-Year Report. The Board reviews 
the reports and applies its collective mind to their preparation 

and  presentation  to  ensure  they  provide  a  fair,  balanced, 
understandable and appropriate representation of the Group’s 
performance, strategy and material risks. 

Internal controls 
The Board has responsibility for the Group’s overall approach to 
risk management and internal control, which is embedded in all 
key  operations.  In  accordance  with  the  Guidance  on  Risk 
Internal  Control  and  Related  Financial  and 
Management, 
Business  Reporting  Guidance  published  by  the  FRC 
in 
September 2014, the Board has defined the processes adopted 
for its ongoing monitoring and assessment and relies on reviews 
undertaken  by  the  Audit  Committee  throughout  the  year.  In 
addition,  regular  management  reporting  and  a  balanced 
assessment of key risks and controls is an important component 
of Board assurance.

The  principal  aim  of  the  system  of  internal  control  is  the 
management  of  business  risks  that  significantly  threaten  the 
fulfilment of the Group’s business and strategic objectives, with 
a view to enhancing the value of shareholders’ investments and 
safeguarding  assets.  The  internal  control  systems  have  been 
designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure, to 
achieve business objectives, and to provide reasonable but not 
absolute assurance that the Group’s business objectives will be 
achieved within the risk tolerance levels identified by the Board. 
The  system  of  internal  control  includes  the  controls  over 
compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.

The Directors have reviewed the effectiveness of the system of 
internal control. For the review, the Audit Committee considered 
reports dealing with Internal Audit plans and outcomes, as well 
as risk logs and sign-off from external audit and management 
representations. These did not reveal any significant findings or 
weaknesses. A full report of the work carried out by the Audit 
Committee  on  behalf  of  the  Board  is  set  out  in  the  Audit 
Committee Report on pages 75 to 79.

Investment appraisal

Capital expenditure is managed through a budgetary process 
and  authorisation  levels.  For  expenditure  beyond  specified 
levels,  detailed  written  proposals  are  submitted  to  the  Board. 
There is an approval procedure for investments, which includes 
how these would be funded and a detailed calculation of return 
based  on  current  assumptions  that  are  consistent  with  those 
included in management reports.

Post-investment  reviews  are  carried  out  after  the  project  is 
complete  and,  for  material  projects,  steering  committees  are 
established to monitor the progress against the approved plan. 
Details  regarding  the  Group’s  capital  expenditure  decisions 
during 2020 are available in the CFO’s review on page 36.

Commercial,  legal  and  financial  due  diligence  are  carried  out, 
using  external  consultants  as  appropriate, 
in  respect  of 
acquisitions and disposals.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202068

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NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

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Risk management
Risks are monitored continually and formally reviewed on a quarterly 
basis.. A more comprehensive report of the Group’s principal and 
emerging risks and how these are managed and/or mitigated can 
be found on pages 25 to 30 of the Strategic Report. 

The Group’s operations perform regular risk assessment reviews 
and maintain risk registers. Objectives in the business plan are 
aligned with risks and a summary of the key risks, related internal 
controls,  accountabilities  and  further  mitigating  actions  are 
tabled and approved by the Audit Committee. The Committee 
at times delegates its authority to the Board for completeness. 
The  Audit  Committee  and  the  Board,  where  appropriate,  are 
kept informed on progress against the plans and any significant 
changes  to  review  the  risk  profile.  This  enables  the  relevant 
management  and  all  non-Executive  Directors  to  holistically 
review the risk, mitigate it and implement controls as necessary.

In prior years, risk was an agenda item in Board meetings. From 
the start of 2020 a stand-alone risk review meeting was added 
to the quarterly Board and Committee meetings to allow more 
time  to  explore  the  risks  fully  and  to  test  management’s 
scenarios and plans. During these meetings, the Board reviews 
the risk register and interrogates the most critical risks in detail, 
debating mitigation plans with management. 

REMUNERATION

Linking remuneration with purpose and strategy
The  remuneration  policy  links  executive  remuneration  to  the 
underlying  health  and  performance  of  the  Group  through 
relevant  social  and  environmental  indicators  of  performance. 
The  financial  and  non-financial  KPIs  used  to  measure 
performance align with our strategy, which in turn supports the 
Group’s purpose to Unearth Unique Possibilities.  

Remuneration Policy review

Directors’ remuneration

is  ultimately  responsible 

While  the  Board 
for  Directors’ 
remuneration,  the  Remuneration  Committee,  consisting  of 
for 
independent  non-Executive  Directors, 
determining the remuneration and conditions of employment 
of Executive Directors, as well as the Chairperson. The Directors’ 
remuneration  policy  was  updated  in  2020  and  approved  by 
shareholders  at  the  2020  AGM.  During  2020  the  Committee 
reviewed the current policy in the context of matters raised by 

responsible 

is 

shareholders and institutions. The Company will be submitting 
a  proposed  amended  2021  remuneration  policy  to  the 
shareholders  at  the  AGM.  The  details  of  the  Directors’ 
remuneration policy and all Directors’ remuneration are detailed 
in this report on remuneration on pages 81 to 109.

Changes to policy and summary of process
The proposed 2021 remuneration policy that will be submitted 
to shareholders at the AGM for approval includes amendments 
to reflect evolving practice. These include replacing the current 
STIBs and ESOP with a single integrated incentive, reducing the 
pay-out  for  threshold  and  target  achievement  for  the  new 
incentive,  implementing  a  plan  to  align  Executive  Directors’ 
pensions with that of the workforce, and introducing a one-year 
post-termination  shareholding 
for  Executive 
Directors. The changes to the new policy are discussed in more 
detail on page 83. 

requirement 

Performance outcomes in 2020
No  adjustments  were  made  to  performance  conditions  set  at 
the beginning of the year to account for the impact of COVID-19 
on  the  operations  and  the  formulaic  STIB  outcome  for  the 
business scorecard was 62.9% of maximum. The Remuneration 
Committee applied its mind to whether the intended incentive 
pay accurately reflects the current and likely future circumstance 
of  the  business  and  considered  the  wider  context  of  the 
workforce as a whole to arrive at its decision to award 62.9% as 
an outcome for the business scorecard.

Based on the performance to 31 December 2020, 65.9% of the 
long-term incentive share awards made under the 2018 ESOP 
will  vest  in  March  2021,  subject  to  continued  employment  at 
that time.

The STIB business scorecard is shown on page 99 and the ESOP 
award calculation on page 103.

Strategic targets
The  proposed  2021  Gem  Diamonds  Incentive  Plan  (GDIP)  will 
reward  performance  15%  on  personal  factors  and  85%  on 
business performance. This 85% business weighting is aligned 
with  the  strategic  focus  areas  Preparing  for  our  Future  
(10% weighting), Extracting Maximum Value (55%) and Working 
Responsibly  and  Maintaining  our  Social  Licence 
(20%).  
More information on the proposed GDIP scorecard is available 
on page 107. 

Harry Kenyon-Slaney 

Non-Executive Chairperson

The role of the Committee is to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 ensure a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment  
of new directors to the Board;

 lead the process for Board appointments and make recommendations  
to the Board;

 assist the Board in ensuring its composition is regularly reviewed and 
refreshed, considering the length of service of the Board as a whole, so it is 
effective and able to operate in the best interests of shareholders;

 ensure plans are in place for orderly succession to positions on the Board  
as well as the Executive Committee;

•  oversee the development of a diverse pipeline for succession; and

• 

 work and liaise with other Board Committees as appropriate, including  
the Remuneration Committee in respect of any remuneration package  
to be offered to any new appointment of the Board.

Membership as at 31 December 2020:
•  H Kenyon-Slaney

•  M Brown

•  M Lynch-Bell

Other attendees: 
•  C Elphick 

• 

Secretary (Bruce Wallace Associates)

Nominations Committee skills and experience (%) 

International experience

Industry

Financial 

Stakeholder engagement

Operational

Risk management

Environmental, Social 

Business development 

Capital markets and deal making

Human resources 

Regulatory 

56

44

Marketing 

22

Social media, Communications 

11

100

89

78

78

78

78

67

67

67

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NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE CONTINUED

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2020 value-adding activities

Board effectiveness

The  Committee  considered  the  recommendations  made  during  the  externally  facilitated  2018/19  Board 
evaluation process and developed a plan for their full implementation. In addition, it oversaw the 2020 internal 
Board  evaluation,  which  covered  Board,  Committee  and  individual  director  performance.  The  details  are 
discussed on page 66.

The  findings  from  the  internal  evaluation  were  discussed  in  November  and  reported  to  the  Board.  The 
Committee will monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations during the coming year. 

Committee membership

The  Committee  and  the  Board  acknowledged  the  valuable  feedback  received  from  investors  in  regular 
meetings during the year and remain committed to complying with the provisions of the Code. Membership 
of  the  Audit  Committee  was  revised  in  September  2020  to  ensure  it  now  aligns  with  the  recommended 
composition. All Board Committees are now compliant with the provisions of the Code.

Future focus areas

The Committee will maintain its focus on ensuring the Board’s composition is strong and diverse, providing support and advice to 
enable management to steer the Group in an increasingly volatile and fast-paced environment, while always promoting exemplary 
governance practices in the boardroom. 

The Committee will continue to monitor alignment of talent and succession planning throughout the organisation to the needs of the 
business and to the Group’s long-term strategy. Development plans for potential successors will continue to be progressed during the 
coming year.

2020 value-adding activities

Board composition 

The composition, skills and independence of the Board remained key topics for the Committee during the year. 
The  objective  of  the  Committee  is  to  ensure  that  the  Board  retains  a  balanced  composition  and  that  all 
members  have  the  necessary  skills  and  experience  to  contribute  actively  to  the  ongoing  success  of  the 
business.

In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Committee assessed the independence of all non-Executive 
Directors. This involved a review of both the external appointments held by each Director and of any potential or 
actual conflicts of interests recorded. The Committee noted the external appointments held by Board members 
which were considered to be in accordance with the parameters of the Code and to not affect their current duties 
to the Board. Two non-Executive Directors, Johnny Velloza and Mazvi Maharasoa, are not deemed ‘independent’ in 
accordance with the Code. However, as with other non-Executive Directors, their extensive  experience  of  the 
mining  industry,  and  particularly  the  regional  context  within  which  the  Group  operates,  is  regarded  as  being 
hugely valuable. All non-Executive Directors provide constructive challenge and robust scrutiny of matters that 
come before the Board and, after careful consideration, the Committee and the Board were satisfied that both 
Johnny Velloza and Mazvi Maharasoa demonstrate the qualities of independence in carrying out their duties. All 
Board members were recommended for re-election and election at the 2020 AGM. 

The Committee acknowledges that for the Board to be considered independent under the terms of the Code, 
further adjustments need to be made to its composition. Work is underway to address the issue and as reported 
on page 64, Jack Hammer Executive Search has been appointed as an independent search consultant to assist 
with this.  The Committee will be making recommendations to the Board during the course of 2021.

Succession planning

The Committee regularly reviewed succession planning across the organisation and developed a succession 
framework that ensures that candidates have been identified to fill key roles in both planned and emergency 
situations and that appropriate development plans are in place. The competencies and experience required in 
the boardroom were regularly assessed as part of the succession planning process and the Committee will 
continue to review the need to secure any particular or specific skills. 

The  Committee  maintained  regular  oversight  of  executive  succession  planning  and  it  reviewed  the  senior 
management succession pipeline, considering emerging talent and key roles with a particular focus on maintaining 
momentum on diversity. Development plans for potential successors will be progressed during the year. 

Diversity 

There  remains  a  commitment  to  diversity  in  the  boardroom  just  as  the  Company  is  committed  to  equal 
opportunities at all levels within the organisation. The Committee continues to be supportive of this objective 
during the year and focused succession planning on ensuring gender and ethnic diversity as well as ensuring 
that  a  wide  range  of  experience,  backgrounds,  perspectives  and  skills  were  available  to  facilitate  effective 
decision-making.

The Diversity and Inclusion Policy, approved by the Board in 2019, was rolled out across the organisation during 
2020 as the Board and management continued to encourage a diverse and inclusive culture throughout the 
business. 

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202072

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Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Mike Brown 

Non-Executive Director

The  role  of  the  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Board  in  fulfilling  its  oversight 
responsibilities to:

• 

 promote a culture of zero harm and responsible care through effective risk 
management that prioritises the workforce, creating a safe and healthy 
environment;

•  minimise environmental impact and reduce resource consumption;

• 

• 

 achieve the goal of sustainable development, meeting the needs of the 
present while sustaining the ability of future generations to support their 
needs; and

 review and monitor the Group’s approach, policies and measures on 
sustainability, health, safety, corporate social responsibility and the 
environment.

Membership as at 31 December 2020:
•  M Brown

• 

J Velloza

•  M Maharasoa

•  H Kenyon-Slaney

Other attendees: 
• 

B de Bruin

•  G Turner

•  Group HSSE superintendent

• 

Secretary (Bruce Wallace Associates)

Sustainability Committee skills and experience (%) 

Industry 

Environmental, Social 

Stakeholder engagement

Operational 

International experience 

Human resources

Risk management 

Financial expertise

Business development 

Regulatory 

89

78

78

78

67

67

56

56

44

44

Capital markets and deal making

22

Legal

33

Marketing

Technology/digital 

11

11

2020 value-adding activities

Prioritising health and safety

The Committee continued to monitor critical health and safety matters during 2020, including:

• 

• 

• 

The Group’s COVID-19 response plan;

Tailings and water storage management;

Safety Turnaround Strategy implemented at Letšeng; and

•  Management of heavy vehicle and machinery related risks.

The Committee received regular reports on safety performance throughout the Group with particular focus on 
the potential improvement opportunities stemming from near-miss incidents.

Emerging health and safety risks were identified throughout the year, in particular those related to COVID-19, 
and the Committee monitored associated risks and the implementation of the mitigation measures.

A  communication  strategy  focusing  on  behavioural  safety,  short-term  contractor  safety  and  mental  health 
management was reviewed by the Committee as part of its focus on overall safety. A risk-based approach to 
incident  classification  and  investigation  was  considered.  The  Committee  also  considered  reports  on  the 
integration of new global best practice standards into operational practices and will continue to monitor the 
implementation of these where appropriate.

The  Committee  received  feedback  on  independent  audits  conducted  to  provide  assurance  of  safe  and 
responsible operational practices, supporting the identification of opportunities for improvement. These audits 
included:

• 

• 

• 

Legal compliance;

ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management;

Integrity of tailings storage and fresh water facilities; and

•  Health and safety systems management.

Mike  Brown  and  Johnny Velloza  visited  Letšeng  on  two  occasions  during  the  year,  specifically  focusing  on 
safety, tailings management and risk management with regards to heave machinery and equipment. 

Progressing our corporate social responsibility

There were no major or significant stakeholder incidents recorded during the year. The Committee monitored 
the  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  on  its  PACs  and  oversaw  the  amendment  of  the  corporate  social 
investment  and  engagement  strategy. The  implementation  of  the  amended  investment  strategy  included 
donations of COVID-19 aid to surrounding communities. Further details are included in the case study below 
as well as the sustainable development reporting platform http://www.gemdiamonds-reports.co.za/reports/sd-
2021/index.php. 

The Committee reviewed the sustainability of community projects impacted by the national lockdown and other 
COVID-19-related restrictions and monitored the implementation of projects that were able to continue as planned.

The Committee oversaw the voluntary submissions regarding the Group’s tailings management processes and 
guided stakeholder engagement to ensure fair and transparent relations.

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
74

75

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE CONTINUED

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

2020 value-adding activities

Minimising environmental impact

There were no major or significant environmental incidents recorded during 2020. The Committee continues 
to monitor the environmental impact of the Group’s operations and oversees the various strategies aimed at 
mitigating this impact.

The Committee received reports pertaining to the continuing regional drought in Lesotho and oversaw efforts 
focused on water quality management and conservation. The Committee also oversaw rehabilitation work on 
the old TSF at Letšeng.

The Committee received external non-financial audit reports on the management of environmental parameters 
and resultant impact on the environment to benchmark the Group’s performance and identify improvement 
opportunities. These reports included:

• 

• 

• 

The Group Carbon and Water Footprints;

ISO 14001 Environmental systems audit; and

The social and environmental management plan compliance audit report.

Future focus areas

•  Oversight and monitoring of continued COVID-19 impact and response

•  Oversight and monitoring of the new corporate sustainability KPIs

•  Monitoring the UN SDG framework adoption

•  Monitoring the climate change adaptation plan

•  Oversight and monitoring of safety focused initiatives and implementation of corrective actions

•  Monitoring the continued implementation of appropriate global best practice standards

M Lynch-Bell

Chairperson

Non-Executive Director

• 

 Oversight and monitoring of the Group’s alignment with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD)

Audit Committee skills and experience (%) 

International experience 

Stakeholder engagement

Industry

Risk management

Financial 

Environmental, Social

Business development 

Operational 

Capital markets and deal making

Human resources

Regulatory 

Legal 

Marketing

Technology/digital 

0

0

0

The  role  of  the  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Board  in  fulfilling  its  oversight 
responsibilities by reviewing and monitoring:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 the integrity of the financial and narrative statements and other financial 
information provided to shareholders;

the Group’s system of internal controls and risk management;

the internal and external audit process and auditors; and

 the processes for compliance with laws, regulations and ethical codes 
of practice.

Membership as at 31 December 2020:
•  M Lynch-Bell

•  M Brown

Other attendees: 
•  H Kenyon-Slaney

•  C Elphick

• 

J Velloza

•  M Maharasoa

•  M Michael

• 

B de Bruin

•  Group Financial Controller

External and internal audit

Secretary (Bruce Wallace Associates)

100

83

83

83

83

• 

• 

67

67

67

67

50

50

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AUDIT COMMITTEE CONTINUED

AUDIT COMMITTEE CONTINUED

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2020 value-adding activities

External auditor and audit effectiveness
During the year, the Committee fully considered the effectiveness, objectivity, skills, capacity and independence 
of EY SA, considering all current ethical guidelines, and was satisfied that all criteria were met. The auditor’s fee 
was approved as part of this process.

In  advance  of  the  2020  audit,  the  Committee  reviewed  and  assessed  the  appropriateness  of  the  external 
auditor’s plan, audit strategy, scoping, materiality and audit risks. The significant areas of audit focus identified 
by the external auditors to be addressed during the course of the audit were primarily: revenue recognition, 
impairment  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  goodwill,  the  continued  treatment  of  Ghaghoo  as  a 
discontinued  operation  and  the  application  of  IFRS  5  Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and  Discontinued 
Operations, COVID-19-related matters, deferred waste stripping calculation, taxation, rehabilitation provisions, 
bank facilities and share-based payments. The key audit matter during the year was the uncertainty caused by 
COVID-19 on the assumptions used to forecast the prospective financial information applied in the impairment 
and going concern models as mentioned in the Independent Auditor’s Report on page 115. The Committee 
was satisfied that all material audit risks were covered within the auditor’s scope. The Committee assessed the 
materiality level applied as appropriate to identify relevant audit risks.

Following the audit, EY SA presented its findings to the Committee and met separately with the Committee 
Chairperson to discuss key audit findings, judgements and estimates. This provided an opportunity to assess 
the audit work performed, understand how management’s assessments had been challenged and assess the 
quality of conclusions drawn. The Committee also made enquiries of senior management to obtain its feedback 
on the audit process and considered this feedback in its assessment. 

In line with the Code and the duty of the Committee to assess the effectiveness of the audit process, a detailed 
audit assessment by way of a survey was carried out during the year. This survey enabled the Committee to 
assess the extent to which the audit strategy was appropriate for the Group’s activities and addressed the risks 
the business faced, including factors such as: independence, materiality, the auditor’s risk assessment versus 
the  Committee’s  own  risk  assessment  and  the  extent  of  the  Group  auditor’s  participation  in  the  subsidiary 
component audits. The responses formed the Committee’s assessment of the effectiveness of the audit, citing 
only some minor areas of improvement around the requirement for enhanced communication between the 
Group audit team and senior management which could improve the efficiency of the audit process. 

Auditor appointment and independence
The transition from EY UK to EY South Africa (EY SA) was completed in early 2019. The Committee remains 
satisfied  with  the  performance  of  EY  SA  and  recommended  its  reappointment  to  the  Board.  The  lead 
engagement partner has served two of his five consecutive years. Other senior primary audit employees will 
serve no longer than seven consecutive years with a two-year cooling-off period. The Committee assessed the 
tenure of the partners and senior employees as adequate, considering the recent transition to EY SA. 

The provision of any non-audit service requires Committee pre-approval and is subject to careful consideration, 
focused on the extent to which provision of such non-audit services may impact the independence or perceived 
independence of the auditor. EY was engaged to assist with a limited number of non-audit matters, particularly 
with regards to tax services during the first quarter of the year. The Committee received regular reports on any 
proposed non-audit work to be undertaken by EY and monitored the fees in line with the delegation of authority 
framework. All fees during the year were below the Committee’s thresholds for approval. Through monitoring 
these activities, the Committee ensured it safeguarded auditor objectivity and independence. The fees for such 
work  amounted  to  US$17  944.  This  was  against  the  external  audit  fee  of  US$471  749,  representing  3.8%  
of external audit fees. In September 2020 the Committee approved a revised policy on non-audit services, of 
which the most material change was the prohibition of non-audit tax services by EY. The Company has appointed 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to perform tax-related services in jurisdictions where EY was previously engaged.

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

2020 value-adding activities

Anti-bribery and corruption policy review and approval

The Committee approved an updated policy during the year. The Committee is satisfied that the policy remains 
robust  regarding  compliance  and  diligence  procedures.  There  were  no  incidents  of  bribery  or  fraud  and 
irregularities during the year.

Acting on whistleblowing

The  Committee  regularly  received  whistleblowing  reports  and  monitored  the  actions  and  progress  on  the 
matters that  arose.  During the year, 19 reports were  received on the whistleblowing  line of which 17 were 
closed before the end of the year and two remain under investigation. The Committee found the actions taken 
in response to these reports to be appropriate..

Monitoring internal audit

The principal matters to be reviewed by the Group Internal Audit team were reviewed by the Committee and 
it continued to monitor management’s responsiveness to the findings and recommendations from the Internal 
Auditor. Based on the disappointing safety performance in 2019, risk management effectiveness, vehicle safety 
and dam safety were focus areas for Group Internal Audit during the year. In addition, various ad hoc reviews 
and special investigations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic were assigned to Group Internal Audit 
during the year. The proposed 2021 Internal Audit plan was approved by the Committee and is linked to the 
current risk profile of the organisation. 

The Internal Audit Charter was reviewed and approved by the Committee in June. 

The Committee assessed the effectiveness of Group Internal Audit during the year by conducting a survey 
which included: 

• 

• 

• 

 a self-assessment of the Committee on its responsibility for the effectiveness of the Group Internal Audit 
function in the context of the Group’s overall risk management system; 

 an assessment by the Committee of the Internal Audit function focusing on Group Internal Audit’s 
understanding of the Group, integrity and objectivity, independence, structure, resources, planning, 
governance, reporting and relationships within the Group; and 

 an assessment by the Group management structure of the internal audit function focusing on Group 
Internal Audit’s planning, execution of work, reporting, integrity, objectivity, independence, competence 
and due professional care. 

The responses formed the Committee’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Group Internal Audit which was 
found  to  be  effective. The  Committee  also  considered  if  additional  resources  were  required  to  extend  the 
internal audit function but concluded that the current structure was appropriate for the size and requirements 
of the Group.

Risk management and internal controls

Although the Committee maintained its oversight on the principal and emerging risks during the year, in line 
with the Code’s requirements for all Board members to focus on Risk Management, a separate quarterly Risk 
Meeting was held as an extension of the main Board meeting with all Board members attending. The main risk 
area that the Board concentrated on and considered was the impact of COVID-19 throughout the business 
model. These are listed on pages 25 to 30.

The Committee reviewed the outcome of the annual insurance renewal process in light of the changes in the 
insurance  environment  which  drove  increased  premiums,  lower  insurance  cover  and  increased  deductibles. 
These changes were largely brought about by the impact of COVID-19 on the insurance market, the increased 
mining industry risk profile and an increase in the volume of global insurance claims. The Committee assessed the 
appropriateness of the cover and the ability to transfer any potential financial implications of the risks materialising.    

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AUDIT COMMITTEE CONTINUED

AUDIT COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

2020 value-adding activities

Future focus areas

Priorities for the forthcoming year will be to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 monitor the appropriateness of  the transfer of any potential financial implications of any risks materialising through insurance 
markets; 

continue to assess principal and emerging risks and consider the impact of COVID-19 on any of these risks; 

 continue to assess the quality and effectiveness of the external audit and the procedures and controls to ensure auditor 
independence;  and

ensure appropriate reporting against relevant sustainability standards such as the TCFD and UN SDG’s.

2020 value-adding activities

Annual review

During  the  year  the  Committee  updated  its  terms  of  reference  to  ensure  these  encompassed  the  updated 
provisions  from  the  Code.  The  Board  evaluation  undertaken  included  a  review  of  the  Audit  Committee’s 
performance within its remit.

Financial disclosure

The  Committee  continued  to  ensure  that  the  Group’s  Annual  Report  and  Accounts  2020  and  the  Half-Year 
Report 2020 were fair, balanced and understandable by challenging and debating the judgements made and 
ensuring the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and 
strategy  is  provided.  EY  SA  audited  the  Financial  Statements  from  pages  113  to  173  for  the  year  ended 
31 December 2020 and issued an unmodified audit opinion in this regard.

The significant issues reviewed and challenged by the Committee relating to the 2020 results were: 

(1)   The assumptions in the Group’s financial forecasts incorporating the successful roll over of the Group’s debt 
facilities and the status of forecast future covenant compliance, mitigating actions available to the Group, 
and  the  appropriateness  of  the  going  concern  and  viability  assumptions  and  related  disclosures.  The 
Committee assessed the disclosures in the Annual Report and Financial Statements in respect of going 
concern and covenant compliance and concluded that they were appropriate. Refer to Note 1.2.2, Going 
concern on page 129 for further details.

(2)   The significant estimates and judgements applied in the valuation of the carrying value of mining assets 
and  impairment  testing,  considering  the  impact  of  COVID-19  on  pricing,  production  capabilities  and 
exchange  rate  fluctuations.  The  Committee  critically  reviewed  the  key  assumptions  and  parameters 
(diamond price forecasts and the impact of COVID-19 on the market outlook and foreign exchange rates 
against  current  and  forward  rates)  in  the  LoM  plan  for  Letšeng  that  supported  the  impairment  tests 
performed by management, together with the sensitivity analysis performed under various scenarios. The 
Committee noted the diamond price recovery in the LoM plan given the recovery of the diamond market 
experienced in the second half of the year. Changes to the underlying operational plan, costs and capital 
expenditure assumptions did not materially change the LoM valuation. There was no impairment charge 
necessary  and  Letšeng’s  carrying  value  remained  above  its  recoverable  value.  The  Committee  further 
reviewed the relevant disclosure in the Financial Statements to ensure compliance with reporting standards.

(3)   The  judgements  applied  by  management  in  the  continued  assessment  of  Ghaghoo  as  a  discontinued 
operation, 18 months since its initial assessment, and the application of IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for 
Sale  and  Discontinued  Operations  to  its  results.  The  Committee  assessed  the  delays  caused  in  the 
conclusion  of  the  sales  process,  further  exacerbated  by  COVID-19,  and  supported  management 
assumptions on the basis that the Company  remains fully committed to the sale.

(4)   The assumptions relating to the classification of tax uncertainties and the treatment and disclosure thereof 
in relation to the amended tax assessment issued to Letšeng by the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) in 
December 2019, contradicting the application of certain tax treatments in the current Income Tax Act. 

(5)   The  judgements  applied  by  management  in  assessing  the  treatment  and  disclosure  of  costs  incurred 
during the shutdown period due to Government of Lesotho lockdown order as a result of COVID-19. 

(6)   The assumptions and judgements applied by management in assessing the residual values and useful lives 
of assets at Letšeng to align these with the extended mining lease period and the resultant impact on the 
current year depreciation charge. 

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REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

“The Committee believes that the remuneration policy is 
appropriate to motivate and reward Senior Executives and align 
their interests with the Group’s purpose and values as well as the 
interests of shareholders.”

FOCUS AREAS 2020
• 

 Executive pay considerations in light of the global impact of the 
COVID-19 pandemic

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Effectiveness of short- and long-term incentive structures and alignment 
with shareholder expectations

Executive pension alignment to the greater workforce

Executive in-post and post-cessation shareholding requirements

 Workforce remuneration and related policies and the alignment of incentives 
and rewards with culture

FUTURE FOCUS AREAS 2021
• 

 Determining whether the appropriate environmental, social and governance 
(ESG) measures link to executive pay

• 

• 

• 

 Deciding on the appropriate performance conditions and setting targets 
for incentive plans given the impact of COVID-19 and the focus on stabilisation 
and business recovery 

 Reflecting on the composition of the total reward package for the Group and 
consider if there are constituent parts which may discourage the promotion  
of individuals from minority groups

 Considering the effectiveness of enforcement methods for post-termination 
shareholding requirements

M Lynch-Bell

Non-Executive Director

Chairperson of the Remuneration 
Committee

STRUCTURE

Annual statement, which includes an ‘at a glance’ of remuneration decisions

2021 Remuneration Policy

Annual report on remuneration

Page 82

Page 86

Page 93

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ANNUAL STATEMENT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

ANNUAL STATEMENT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL STATEMENT 
Dear shareholders

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Remuneration 
Committee’s Directors’ Remuneration Report for 2020. The report 
is presented in three sections: this Annual Statement, the Directors’ 
Remuneration  Policy  (page  86)  and  the  Annual  Report  on 
Remuneration (page 93).

Linking Executive Directors’ remuneration with 
our purpose and strategy
Executive  remuneration  is  focused  on  the  underlying  health 
and  performance  of  the  Group,  and  considers  key  drivers 
including relevant social and environment factors. Performance 
metrics consist of both financial and non-financial KPIs linked to 
our  strategy,  which  in  turn  support  the  Group’s  purpose  to 
unearth  unique  possibilities.  These  unique  possibilities  are 
relevant  for  our  employees,  the  communities  in  which  we 
operate and shareholders alike. Each strategic pillar is linked to 
an element of remuneration as set out on pages 86 to 92 of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy.

result  of 

initiatives  generated  as  a 

Remuneration decisions taken during 2020
The 
the  Business 
Transformation  process  continued  to  be  implemented  at 
Letšeng and across the Group. Despite the in-country lockdown, 
subsequent operational shutdown and other COVID-19-related 
challenges,  significant  progress  has  been  made  in  2020  with 
US$79.2 million of the US$100 million four-year cost savings BT 
target achieved. Flexible tender sales processes were instituted 
in order to continue to generate vital revenue when travel and 
other  COVID-19  related  restrictions  were  implemented  in 
countries worldwide. Despite the challenges of 2020, the Group 
has  managed  a  net 
in  cash  during  2020  of  
US$44.8 million which has increased the Group’s cash position 
to  
from  US$10.2  million  net  debt  at  2019  year-end 
US$34.6  million  net  cash  at  2020  year-end.  The  operational 
diligence and progress on the Group’s strategic goals as well as 
the  17%  increase  in  the  average  price  per  carat  of  rough 
diamonds sold during the year contributed to a 30% increase in 
underlying EBITDA1. Earnings per share increased 92% and, even 
though the share price closed the year 21% lower than at the 
start, the share price trend was considerably better than that of 
our  peer  group  over  this  period.  In  light  of  these  positive 
financial  results,  the  Board  is  recommending  a  dividend  of  
2.5 US cents per share.

increase 

tiered 

Temporary 
salary  cuts  affecting  directors  and 
management  were  implemented  from  the  onset  of  the  four-
week government imposed shutdown in April 2020. Following 
the achievement of steady state operations and the cash flow 
achieved through positive sales results, a decision was made in 
September 2020 to repay affected employees 96% of the total 
salary cut, which excluded the shutdown and ramp-up period 
proportionally. Other employees incurred no salary cuts on their 
basic  pay,  although  Letšeng  employees’  operational  on-site 
allowances were suspended for the period they were not on site 
due to the government imposed shutdown.

Across the Group there were no enduring salary cuts as a result 
of the impact of COVID-19. In this context, the Committee’s key 
decisions during the year related to the following areas:

Short-term incentive bonus (STIB)
For 2020, the STIB was based on a range of financial, operational 
and personal objectives that support the delivery of the Group’s 
key strategic priorities, with 80% linked to business performance 
and 20% to personal performance.

The Committee agreed that it was not appropriate to make any 
adjustments to the financial performance conditions set at the 
beginning of the year to account for the impact of COVID-19 on 
the operation, notwithstanding that the Lesotho Government’s 
lockdown order resulted in Letšeng suspending operations for  
effectively a six-week period. This impacted the achievement of 
two operational KPIs within the STIBS scorecard. 

The resulting formulaic STIB outcome for the business scorecard 
was  62.9%  of  maximum. The  Committee  considered  whether 
the intended incentive pay accurately reflects the current and 
likely future circumstance of the business and whether it reflects 
the wider employee experience. It further considered the wider 
context  of  the  workforce  as  a  whole  and  in  particular  that  no 
furloughed  and  no  direct  COVID-19 
employees  were 
government support taken up. The Ghaghoo operation was the 
recipient  of  a  government  subsidy  of  c.US$18k,  as  it  was 
prevented  from  undergoing  standard  non-COVID-19-related 
operational restructuring . The subsidy had no material impact 
on the Group’s financial performance or directors’ remuneration 
outcomes. Continuing operations across the Group achieved its 
respective 2020 STIB performance metrics which in turn resulted 
in  payments  to  employees.  The  Committee  exercised  no 
discretion in determining the outcome of the STIB.

ESOP
Based on the performance to 31 December 2020, 65.9% of the 
share awards made under the 2018 ESOP will vest in March 2021, 
subject to continued employment at that time. The 2018 ESOP 
rewards  performance  against  relative  total  shareholder  return 
(TSR) against a tailored diamond mining peer comparator group 
(25%),  delivery  of  BT  (25%),  and  profit  and  production  (50%), 
measured over three years.

The Company’s three-year TSR over the period was at the top of 
the  peer  comparator  group,  which  resulted  in  100%  of  the 
element vesting. 21.9% (out of a maximum of 25%) and 19.0% 
(out of a maximum of 50%) of the BT and profit and production 
elements will vest, respectively, based on performance over the 
three-year  period.  The  overall  vesting  level  is  65.9%  of  the 
maximum award.

The specific targets and outturns underlying these elements are 
discussed  in  detail  on  page  103  of  the  Annual  Report  on 
Remuneration. The  Committee  believes  the  formulaic  vesting 
outcome  is  a  fair  reflection  of  the  Company’s  underlying 
performance over the three-year period to 31 December 2020 
and therefore no discretionary adjustment was applied. 

We  have  not  included  a  CEO  pay  ratio  in  this  report  as  the 
Company  has  only  one  employee  based  in  the  UK,  and  any 
resulting ratios would not be meaningful.

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for the definition of non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures.
2 

 Net cash/(debt) is a non-GAAP measure and calculated as cash and short-term deposits less drawn down bank facilities (excluding the asset-based finance facility and insurance 
premium financing).

Remuneration Policy review
The current remuneration policy was adopted at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June 2020. During 2020 the Committee reviewed 
the current policy in the context of matters raised by shareholders and in relation to our ability to robustly measure TSR performance 
against comparable companies, given the recent reduction in the number of listed diamond mining peers from eight to four, which was 
largely due to reasons ranging from consolidation to delisting. The Committee considered how best to ensure the ESOP continues to be 
a robust and relevant incentive that reinforces performance and how it can be structured to avoid sensitivity to uncontrollable factors 
and challenges of long-term forecasting for a single asset company. We believe the time is opportune for a reset of the incentive reward 
structure. The Company therefore proposes to replace the current STIB and ESOP with a single integrated incentive, the Gem Diamonds 
Incentive Plan or ‘GDIP’, and will be submitting a proposed 2021 remuneration policy to shareholders at the upcoming AGM. 

The GDIP has been developed to simplify the incentive arrangements by measuring performance over a single one-year performance 
period, which then delivers a combination of cash and deferred shares. The overall time horizon of the GDIP, including its deferral 
periods and post-vesting holding periods, and its mix of cash and shares have been designed to replicate the overall STIB and ESOP 
structure it replaces.

The Committee also proposes several other changes to the current remuneration policy to ensure the remuneration structure reflects 
evolving governance developments (see below). The Committee consulted major shareholders on these proposals prior to finalising the 
details, and no concerns were raised in respect to the proposals.

Summary of proposed changes
The proposed 2021 remuneration policy introduces the following amendments to the 2020 policy:

Element

Remuneration policy 2020

Remuneration policy 2021

Long- and short-term 
incentives

STIB opportunity up to 100% and ESOP 
up to 125% of annual salary, totalling a 
combined opportunity of up to 225% 
STIB pay-out of 50% at threshold and 
68% at target 

Pension 

Post-termination 
shareholding

Pension for new Executive Directors 
aligned with the workforce
Current CEO and CFO pension 
respectively 14% and 13.5% of salary

No requirement

Implementation of the remuneration policy in 2021
The Executive Directors’ salaries were reviewed in February 2021, 
considering relevant benchmarks and in-country inflation. The 
review  is  in  line  with  the  general  practice  of  considering  the 
wider  workforce  when  applying  inflation  as  a  base  for  salary 
increases across the Group. Based on all considerations including 
current  market  conditions,  the  Remuneration  Committee 
determined that base salaries will remain unchanged.

For  2021,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  proposed  2021 
remuneration  policy,  the  annual  bonus  opportunity  and  the 
ESOP  award  will  be  replaced  with  the  GDIP  which  will  have  a 
maximum  annual  award  opportunity  of  180%  of  salary 
(compared to the previous STIB/ESOP combined opportunity of 
225%). Group performance will continue to be measured with 
reference  to  a  business  scorecard  linked  to  the  Group’s  three 
strategic  focus  areas:  Extracting  Maximum  Value  from  Our 
Operations;  Working  Responsibly  and  Maintaining  Our  Social 
Licence; and Preparing for Our Future. Group performance will 
be weighted 85% of maximum, with the remaining 15% linked 
to personal performance. 

The  earned  incentive  will  be  paid  55%  in  cash  and  45%  in 
deferred shares vesting in one-third annual tranches after one, 

Replacing the STIB and ESOP with a single integrated 
incentive (the Gem Diamonds Incentive Plan or ‘GDIP’) with 
an opportunity of up to 180% of salary
Pay-out of 20% at threshold and 50% at target
The detailed structure of the GDIP is set out on page 106 of 
the Annual Report on Remuneration

No change for new hires; incumbent director pensions to 
reduce to 7.5% of salary over 5 years starting 1 April 2021 in 
order to align with the wider workforce

The in-post shareholding requirement is maintained for a 
period of 1 year following cessation of employment

two  and  three  years,  subject  to  continued  employment  and 
good/bad leaver provisions over this period. Vested awards will 
also  be  subject  to  a  two-year  post-vesting  holding  period, 
during  which  time  Executive  Directors  may  not  sell  shares 
except  to  cover  tax.  Malus  and  clawback  provisions  will  apply 
during  the  performance  period  and  for  a  period  of  two  years 
following payment.

Please  refer  to  pages  105  to  107  for  further  details  on  the 
implementation of the proposed 2021 remuneration policy.

Engagement
I look forward to receiving your support at our 2021 AGM. The 
Board  considers  it  important  that  shareholders  have  the 
opportunity  to  raise  questions  with  the  Board.  As  such, 
shareholders  are  invited  to  send  any  questions  that  they  may 
have  on  this  report,  our  proposed  remuneration  policy  or  in 
relation  to  any  of  the  Committee  activities.  Please  feel  free  to 
contact me through Minelle Zech, the Group Human Resources 
Manager on mazor@gemdiamonds.com.

Michael Lynch-Bell
Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee
10 March 2021

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ANNUAL STATEMENT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL STATEMENT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Fostering a culture of transparent and fair remuneration  
which supports our purpose and strategy and is aligned with  
wider workforce considerations

Remuneration at a glance

Basis of preparation 

The  report  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the  principles  of  the  UK  Companies  Act  2006,  Schedule  8  of  The  Large  
and  Medium-sized  Companies  and  Groups  (Accounts  and  Reports)  (Amendment)  Regulations  2013  and  the  EU  Market  Abuse 
Regulations. The auditor of Gem Diamonds has audited information within this remuneration report which has been appropriately 
marked as such.

TOTAL NON-EXECUTIVE FEE 

£387 100  
< £750 000 

MAXIMUM AGGREGATE PER  
THE ARTICLES

Proposed 2021 remuneration components in 
summary

Component Key feature

Basic salary 

• 

• 

 Market-competitive base salary to 
recruit and retain individuals

 No prescribed maximum annual 
increase

Benefits

Pension 

GDIP

•  No performance conditions
• 

 Cash allowance in lieu of non-cash 
benefits
 Retirement benefits that are 
appropriately competitive

 Alignment with wider workforce 
over 5 years

• 

• 

•  No performance conditions
• 

 Participants can receive a maximum of 
up to 180% of their base salary

• 

• 

• 

 For threshold-level and target-level 
performance, the bonus earned is up 
to 20% and 50% of maximum 
opportunity, respectively

 Group scorecard targets may include 
one or more of the three key strategic 
priority areas 

 Awards to be delivered 55% in cash 
and 45% in deferred shares vesting in 
one-third annual tranches after 1, 2 
and 3 years, and subject to a 2-year 
post-vest holding period

100% 

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
ATTENDANCE

NO MALUS  
OR CLAWBACK 

PROVISIONS TRIGGERED IN 2020

Wider considerations for employees in 2020

+5%

inflationary  based 

increase  to  comparative 
Approved 
employees’  basic  salaries  effective  from  1  January  2020 
(excluding Directors)

14% 

 7.5% 

Executive  Director  pension  alignment  over  5  years  from 
April 2021

Similar  performance  scorecards  for  management  incentive 
schemes across the Group

Pension and benefits No change

COVID-19 IMPACT ON REMUNERATION

96% 

repaid of the total tiered salary 
cuts over a six-month period for 
directors and management. The 
unpaid portion takes into 
account the four-week 
government imposed shutdown 
and the subsequent ramp-up 
period.

Deferred 
annual 
increases  
for directors

2020

STIB

0%

 salary  
cuts on employees below 
management level basic pay. 
Letšeng employees’ 
operational on-site 
allowances were suspended 
for the period they were not 
on site as a result of the 
government imposed  
shutdown.

ESOP

%

%

Individual

Group

Extracting Maximum Value 
from Our Operations

Working Responsibly and 
Maintaining Our Social Licence

20

80

60

20

Preparing for Our Future

Total

20
100%

TSR

Group performance

Underlying EBITDA

Earnings per share

US$ p/ct

Carats recovered

Total

25

75

18.75

18.75

18.75

18.75
100%

SHAREHOLDING

PROFILE OF SCORECARD

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Basic and shareholding

Target

CEO

CFO

100%

As a % of 
salary 

784%

As a % of 
salary 

26%

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

REMUNERATION POLICY 2021
As required by legislation, the proposed remuneration policy as 
set  out  in  this  section  of  the  report  will  be  put  to  a  binding 
shareholder vote at the 2021 AGM and, subject to shareholder 
approval, will become effective from the date of the 2021 AGM.

The  proposed  policy  is  broadly  consistent  with  the  approved 
2020 policy, with the exception of the changes highlighted in 
the  Remuneration  Committee  Chairperson’s  Statement  and 
some non-significant changes as follows:

• 

• 

 references to financial years have been updated where 
appropriate;

 references to performance measures have been updated 
for the latest business strategy, as appropriate.

The  Company’s  remuneration  policy  is  designed  to  provide  a 
level  of  remuneration  which  attracts,  retains  and  motivates 
executives  of  a  suitably  high  calibre  to  manage  the  business, 
implement  the  Company’s  strategy  and  maximise  long-term 
shareholder  wealth.  It  is  intended  that,  as  far  as  possible, 

remuneration  policies  and  practices  will  conform  to  best 
practice in the markets in which the Company operates, will be 
aligned  with  shareholder  interests  and  will  promote  effective 
management of business risk.

The  Committee’s  policy  is  to  weight  remuneration  towards 
variable pay in order to provide base salaries and benefits that 
are fair, and variable pay incentives linked to the achievement  
of  realistic  performance  targets  relative  to  the  Company’s 
strategy and corporate objectives

The  Committee  is  satisfied  that  the  proposed  policy  is  clear, 
simple, and appropriately aligned with the Company’s strategy, 
incentives  are 
risk  appetite  and  culture,  and  that  the 
appropriately capped.

How good governance informs policy design
The table below sets out the application of the Principles of the 
Code  as  it  relates  to  the  design  of  remuneration  policies  and 
practices:

Clarity

Simplicity

Risk

Proportionality

Predictability

Culture

Targets  for  annual  cash  and  share  awards  are  aligned  to  the  Group’s  strategic  priorities. This 
provides  clarity  to  shareholders  and  other  stakeholders  on  the  relationship  between  the 
successful delivery of the Group’s strategy and remuneration paid.

The remuneration policy is designed to be simple and clear while complying with all relevant 
regulatory  requirements  and  meeting  shareholder  expectations.  The  proposed  2021  policy 
simplifies remuneration elements further by combining the STIB and LTI into a single GDIP.

The Committee is aware of the risks that can result from excessive rewards and believe that the 
robust target setting and long history of applying discretion to formulaic outcomes reflects this. 
Malus and clawback provisions in the remuneration policy further mitigate this risk.

The Committee’s overriding discretion ensures that remuneration outcomes are aligned with 
Group performance. This year we have been particularly mindful of alignment with our workforce 
when considering the right and proportional approach to salary cuts and incentive outcomes.

The proposed GDIP ensures a simpler but more predictable range of performance outcomes 
that align with the business model, ensuring predictable pay outcomes that do not reward poor 
performance.

As reflected in the Chairperson’s statement on page 82, the Committee considers overall pay 
and conditions for employees across the Group as a whole when determining Executive Director 
outcomes. 

Personal and Group performance measures include non-financial metrics linked to the Group’s 
purpose and culture.

Policy table for Executive Directors

Salary

Purpose and link to 
strategy

To offer a market-competitive base salary to recruit and retain individuals of the necessary high calibre 
to execute the Company’s business strategy.

Operation

Base salaries are reviewed annually with changes effective from 1 April.

Salaries are typically set after considering the salary levels in companies of a similar size, complexity 
and risk profile, the responsibilities of each individual role, progression within the role, and individual 
performance.

In setting salaries for Executive Directors, the Committee takes note of the overall approach to salary 
reviews for the wider workforce.

Opportunity

There is no prescribed maximum annual increase.

It is expected that salary increases for Executive Directors will ordinarily be (in percentage of salary 
terms) in line with those of the wider workforce in countries of a similar inflationary environment.

In certain circumstances (for example, where there is a change in responsibility, role size or complexity, 
or progression in the role), the Committee has discretion to award higher increases to ensure salary 
levels remain competitive.

Performance measures

N/A

Benefits

Purpose and link to 
strategy

Operation

Opportunity

To provide competitive benefits considering the market value of the role and benefits offered to the 
wider UK management population, in line with the Company’s strategy to keep remuneration simple 
and consistent.

Executive Directors receive a cash allowance in lieu of non-cash benefits.

The benefit value may vary by role to reflect market practice. It is not anticipated that the current cost 
of benefits (as set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration) will increase materially over the term of 
this  policy,  though  the  Committee  retains  discretion  to  approve  a  higher  cost  in  exceptional 
circumstances (for example relocation or an increase in insurance premiums).

Performance measures

N/A

Pension

Purpose and link to 
strategy

Operation

Opportunity

To provide retirement benefits that are appropriately competitive.

Executive Directors receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension.

The CEO and the CFO receive pension benefits which will be aligned with that of the workforce over 
five years starting from 1 April 2021 through annual reductions of 1.2% and 0.9% of salary for the CEO 
and CFO respectively. On this basis, pensions for 2021 will be 13.3% and 12.1% of salary for the CEO 
and CFO respectively.

Any  new  Executive  Director  will  receive  pension  benefits  aligned  to  those  of  the  wider  workforce 
(currently 7.5%) at the time of appointment.

Performance measures

N/A

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GDIP

Purpose and link to 
strategy

To drive and reward performance against financial and non-financial KPIs, as well as personal objectives, 
all of which are directly linked to business strategy.

Operation

The GDIP is reviewed annually by the Committee at the start of the year to ensure the opportunity and 
performance measures are appropriate and continue to support business strategy.

Shareholding guidelines
The  in-post  guideline  for  Executive  Directors  is  that  they  hold 
100%  of  their  salary  in  beneficially  owned  shares.  Until  the 
guideline has been met, Executive Directors will be required to 
retain 50% of vested awards under the GDIP or any other share-
based incentive.

The Committee has discretion to adjust the formulaic outcome of the bonus to more accurately reflect 
the underlying business and personal performance during the year.

Performance is measured over one year, and earned awards are delivered 55% in cash and 45% in 
deferred  shares,  with  shares  vesting  in  one-third  annual  tranches  after  one,  two  and  three  years, 
subject to continued employment and good/bad leaver provisions over this period. Vested awards are 
also subject to a two-year post-vesting holding period.

Malus  and  clawback  provisions  may  be  applied  for  a  period  of  two  years  following  payment 
in exceptional circumstances, including, but not limited to, misstatement, misconduct or error.

Opportunity

Participants can receive a maximum of up to 180% of their base salary.

For threshold-level and target-level performance, the award earned is up to 20% and 50% of maximum 
opportunity, respectively.

Performance measures

Performance is determined by the Committee annually by reference to a scorecard of Group targets as 
detailed  in  the  Group’s  business  plan  and  encapsulated  in  specific  KPIs,  as  well  as  a  discretionary 
assessment of personal performance.

Group scorecard targets may include one or more of the three key strategic priority areas of Extracting 
Maximum Value from Our Operations, Working Responsibly and Maintaining Our Social Licence, and 
Preparing for Our Future. The Group scorecard will typically account for 85% of performance bonus in 
any one year.

Details  of  the  measures  and  weightings  for  the  current  year  are  provided  in  the  Annual  Report 
on Remuneration.

Notes to policy table

Payments from existing arrangements 

Executive Directors will be eligible to receive  remuneration  or 
other  payments  in  respect  of  any  award  granted  or  payment 
agreed prior to the approval and implementation of the 2021 
remuneration  policy,  or  prior  to  the  individual  becoming  a 
Director, if in the opinion of the Committee the payment was 
not  in  consideration  for  the  individual  becoming  a  Director. 
Details  of  any  such  awards  or  payments  are  disclosed  in  the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

Selection of performance measures (GDIP)

Performance  measures  used 
in  the  Company’s  executive 
incentive scheme – the GDIP – are selected to ensure incentives 
reinforce  the  Company  strategy  and  align  executive  interests 
closely with those of shareholders. It is the Committee’s opinion 
that the financial and non-financial measures used in the GDIP 
support  the  strategic  priorities  of  Extracting  Maximum  Value 
from Our Operations, Working Responsibly and Maintaining Our 
Social  Licence,  and  Preparing  for  Our  Future,  and  are  well-
accepted measures for the mining sector.

Performance  targets  are  set  to  be  stretching  but  achievable, 
considering  a  range  of  reference  points  including  the  Group’s 
business  plan,  the  Company’s  strategic  priorities  and  the 
economic  environment  in  which  the  Company  operates. The 
Committee believes it has a robust approach to target setting 
and the maximum outcomes are achievable only for exceptional 
performance.

Remuneration policy for other employees

Salary  reviews  are  implemented  with  a  consistent  approach 
across  the  Group  and  consider  the  level  of  responsibility, 
experience,  individual  performance,  market  levels  and  the 
Company’s ability to pay.

(below  Board 

Senior  management 
level)  employees’ 
remuneration is reviewed by the Remuneration Committee. 
Senior  management  and  management  level  employees 
participate in an annual bonus scheme on a similar basis as 
the  Executive  Directors,  although  the  weighting  on  Group 
performance measures increases with seniority and deferred 
shares vary appropriately according to organisational level. 

Other  employees  participate  in  an  annual  bonus  linked  to 
operational metrics.

performance  scenarios:  fixed,  at  target,  maximum,  and 
maximum  plus  50%.  Potential  remuneration  is  calculated  on 
the incentive opportunities set out in the 2021 remuneration 
policy applied to the salaries effective 1 April 2021.

The maximum GDIP is 180% of the salary.

The fixed scenario includes base salary, pension and benefits only.

The  at-target  scenario  includes  fixed  remuneration  as  above, 
plus target pay-out of the GDIP.

The  maximum  scenario  includes  fixed  remuneration,  plus  full 
pay-out and vesting of all incentives.

The  maximum  +50%  scenario  is  the  same  as  the  maximum 
scenario as the deferred share element of the GDIP is not subject 
to performance conditions over the deferral period.

The assumptions are summarised in the table below:

in-post  shareholding 

The  post-termination  shareholding  for  Executive  Directors 
is 
requires  that  the 
maintained  for  a  period  of  a  year  following  cessation  of 
employment, to be achieved through the continued holding 
of  vested  share  awards  granted  after  the  introduction  of  the 
2021 Remuneration Policy.

requirement 

Pay for performance: scenario analysis for 2021
The graph below illustrates an estimate of the potential future 
remuneration  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  the  potential 
split  between  the  different  elements  of  pay  under  four 

Component

Fixed

At target

Maximum

Maximum + 50% share price appreciation

Salary

Benefits

Pension

GDIP  
(Cash)

GDIP  
(Deferred shares)

Base salary for 2021

5.5% and 6% of salary for the CEO and the CFO respectively

13.3% and 12.1% of salary for the CEO and the CFO respectively in 2021

0% of maximum 50% of maximum 100% of maximum

100% of maximum

0% of maximum 50% of maximum 100% of maximum

100% of maximum

Total (£’000)
386

678

971

971

Total (£’000)
590

1 033

1 476

1 476

CFO (%)

CEO (%)

19

24

27

27

19

24

27

27

33

33

33

33

100

57

40

40

100

57

40

40

minimum

On-target

Maximum

Maximum +50

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

Maximum +50

FIXED REMUNERATION

GDIP CASH

GDIP DEFERRED SHARES

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Approach to remuneration on executive 
recruitment
The Committee will follow the Remuneration Policy as set out in 
the policy table when recruiting new Executive Directors. Any 
arrangement  specifically  established  to  recruit  an  external 
Executive Director would be capped at the limits described in 
the  policy  table  on  appointment. Where  an  individual  forfeits 
outstanding incentive payments and/or contractual rights at a 
previous  employer  as  a  result  of  their  appointment,  the 
Committee  may  offer  additional  compensatory  payments  or 
awards (buy-out) in such form as it considers appropriate. Any 
such buy-out compensation would be on a comparable basis to 
the 
including  the 
performance conditions attached to these awards, the likelihood 
of conditions being met, and the remaining vesting period of 
these  awards.  The  Committee  would  normally  use  the 
remuneration  components  under  the  regular  policy  to  make 
such buy-out awards but may also exercise its discretion under 
Listings  Rule  9.4.2  if  an  alternative  incentive  structure  were 
required.  Where  an  Executive  Director  is  required  to  relocate 

forfeited  benefit,  considering 

factors 

from their home location to take up their role, the Committee 
may provide reasonable, time-limited assistance with relocation 
in line with local market norms.

In  the  case  of  internal  promotions,  any  commitments  made 
prior to promotion and the approval of the remuneration policy 
(except for pension entitlements) will be honoured. Where the 
new  appointee  has  an  initial  salary  set  below  market,  any 
shortfall will be managed with phased increases over a period of 
several  years,  subject  to  the  individual’s  performance  and 
development in the role.

Service contracts
The  Company’s  policy  is  to  limit  termination  payments  to 
pre-established contractual arrangements. If the employment of 
an Executive Director is terminated, any compensation payable 
will be determined in accordance with the terms of the service 
contract between the Company and the employee, as well as the 
rules  of  any  incentive  plans.  Details  of  the  Executive  Directors’ 
service contracts are summarised in the table below. 

Director

Contract date

Unexpired

Notice period

Contractual termination payment1

CT Elphick

13 February 2007

M Michael

22 April 2013

Rolling contract

12 months

Pay basic salary on summary termination. 
Benefits are payable only at the 
Committee’s discretion.

The table below provides details of exit payments under different leaver scenarios.

Incentive 

Scenario

Time of payment/vesting

Calculation of payment/vesting

GDIP awards, prior 
to end of 
performance period

Death, disability, ill health, 
redundancy, retirement, or any 
other reasons the Committee may 
determine (normally not including 
resignation or where there are 
concerns as to performance)

Change of control (whether or not 
employment is terminated as a 
result)

Normal payment date, although 
the Committee has discretion to 
accelerate (for example, in relation 
to death) 

Performance against targets will 
normally be assessed by the 
Committee at the end of the year 
and any resulting award is 
normally pro-rated for the 
proportion of the year worked 

Immediately, on change of control Performance against targets will 

normally be assessed by the 
Committee up to the date of 
change of control and any 
resulting award is normally 
pro-rated for time

All other reasons

Not applicable

No award is paid

GDIP (unvested 
deferred shares)

Death, disability, ill health, 
redundancy, retirement, or any 
other reasons the Committee may 
determine (normally not including 
resignation or where there are 
concerns as to performance)

Change of control (whether or not 
employment is terminated as a 
result)

Normal vesting date, although the 
Committee has discretion to 
accelerate

Unvested awards will normally be 
pro-rated for time unless the 
Committee decides otherwise

Immediately, on change of control Unvested awards will normally be 

prorated for time unless the 
Committee decides otherwise

Awards lapse

Not applicable

Normal release date, although the 
Committee has discretion to 
accelerate

1  There are no special provisions in the contracts extending the notice period on a change of control or other corporate events.

All other reasons

Not applicable

Payments for loss of office under all service 
contracts
On termination of an Executive Director’s contract, payments 
equal to salary in lieu of notice may be made monthly during 
the notice period. Benefits are payable only at the Committee’s 
discretion. Payment in lieu of unused annual leave entitlement 
can  be  made  at  the  effective  salary  rate  at  the  point  of 
termination.

Where  employment  is  terminated  by  the  Company  and  the 
departing  Executive  Director  has  a  legal  entitlement  (under 
statute or otherwise) to additional amounts, these would need 
to be met. Should the Company wish to enter into a settlement 

agreement and the individual seeks independent legal advice, 
the Committee retains discretion to settle any claims by or on 
behalf  of  the  Executive  Director  in  return  for  making  an 
appropriate  payment  and  contributing  to  the  legal  fees 
incurred  by  the  Executive  Director  in  connection  with  the 
termination of employment.

In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may approve new 
contractual  arrangements  with  departing  Executive  Directors 
including  (but  not 
limited  to)  settlement,  confidentiality, 
outplacement services, restrictive covenants and/or consultancy 
arrangements. These will be used only in circumstances where 
the Committee believes it is in the best interests of the Company 
and its shareholders to do so.

GDIP (deferred 
shares in holding 
period)

Death, disability, ill health, 
redundancy, retirement, or any 
other reasons the Committee may 
determine (normally not including 
resignation or where there are 
concerns as to performance)

Change of control (whether or not 
employment is terminated as a 
result)

All other reasons

Immediately, on change of control Not applicable

Normal release date, although the 
Committee has discretion to 
accelerate

Not applicable

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

Non-Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors do not receive benefits from the Company and they are not eligible to participate in any cash or share-based 
incentive scheme.

Directors’ fees

Purpose and link to 
strategy

To  attract  and  retain  a  high-calibre  Chairperson  and  non-Executive  Directors  with  experience 
relevant to the Company.

Operation

Fees are reviewed annually, with any changes effective from 1 April.

Fees are typically set after considering current market levels, time commitment and responsibilities 
involved.

All non-Executive Directors, including the Chairperson, are each paid an all-inclusive fee. No additional 
fees are paid for chairing Committees.

All fees are payable monthly in cash in arrears.

The non-Executive Directors do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive plans. No other benefits 
or remuneration are provided to non-Executive Directors.

Opportunity

There is no prescribed maximum annual increase.

It is expected that fee increases will typically be in line with market levels of fee inflation.

In  certain  circumstances  (for  example,  where  there  is  a  change  in  time  commitment  required  or  a 
material misalignment with market), the Committee has the discretion to adjust fee levels to ensure 
they remain competitive.

The  maximum  aggregate  annual  fee  for  all  non-Executive  Directors,  including  the  Chairperson, 
allowed by the Company’s Articles of Association, is £750 000.

Director

Contract date

Unexpired

Notice period

Contractual termination payment

H Kenyon-Slaney

6 June 2017

M Brown

1 January 2018

M Lynch-Bell

15 December 2015

J Velloza

15 September 2018

M Maharasoa

1 July 2019

Rolling 
appointment

Three months

No provision for payment of compensation

Considerations of shareholder views
The Committee considers shareholder views and the guidelines 
investor  bodies  when  determining  remuneration.  The 
of 
Committee  values 
the 
Company’s  remuneration  policy  and  commits  to  consulting 
shareholders in advance of any significant changes to the policy. 
Details  on  the  votes  received  on  the  2019  Annual  Report  on 
Remuneration and 2020 Remuneration Policy (at the 2020 AGM) 
are provided in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

from  shareholders  on 

feedback 

External directorships
Executive  Directors  are  permitted 
to  accept  external 
directorships with prior approval of the Chairperson. Approval 
will only be given where the appointment does not present a 
conflict of interest with the Group’s activities and the experience 
gained will be beneficial to the development of the individual. 
Where fees are payable in respect of such appointments, these 
would be retained by the Executive Director. Refer to page 97 
for further details.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION
This  report  provides  information  regarding  the  implementation  of  the  Company’s  approved  2020  Remuneration  Policy  during  the 
financial year ended 31 December 2020 and how the 2021 Remuneration Policy will be implemented in 2021. This Annual Report on 
Remuneration will be subject to an advisory vote at our 2021 AGM on 2 June 2021.

Role, composition and experience of the Committee
The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available on the Company’s website and comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

The  role  of  the  Committee  is  to  assist  the  Board  to  fulfil  its  responsibility  to 
shareholders to ensure that:

• 

• 

 remuneration policy and practices of the Company are designed to support 
strategy and promote long-term sustainable success, and reward fairly and 
responsibly, with a clear link to corporate and individual performance, 
having regard to statutory and regulatory requirements; and

 executive remuneration is aligned to Company purpose and values and 
linked to the delivery of the Company’s long-term strategy.

Membership as at 31 December 2020:
•  M Lynch-Bell

M Lynch-Bell

Chairperson

Non-Executive Director

•  H Kenyon-Slaney*

•  M Brown

Other attendees: 
•  C Elphick*

•  M Michael*

•  Group Human Resources Manager

•  Mercer Kepler (Independent remuneration consultants)

• 

Secretary (Bruce Wallace Associates)

*  Except when issues relating to their own remuneration are discussed.

Remuneration Committee skills and experience (%)

International experience

Industry

Risk management

Operational

Stakeholder engagement

Capital markets and deal making

Financial

Business development

Environmental, social

Human resources

Regulatory

Marketing

22

Social media, communications

11

100

89

78

78

78

67

67

67

67

56

44

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

2020 activities

Reviewed the remuneration policy to ensure it is appropriate to motivate and reward senior executives and 
align their interests with the Company’s purpose and values, as well as with the interests of shareholders

Reviewed and assessed shareholder positions to ensure Gem Diamonds’ proposed 2021 Remuneration Policy 
and practices align appropriately with these requirements

Set out a credible plan to align Directors’ pension contributions to those of the wider workforce

Reviewed the implementation of post-cessation shareholding policies

Reviewed the range of non-financial performance metrics in variable remuneration

Ensured incentives include an appropriate balance of financial and non-financial elements for the long-term 
sustainability of the organisation

Applied  its  collective  mind  to  the  determination  of  discretionary  elements  in  the  STIB  scorecard  and  the 
appropriateness  of  the  formulaic  output  from  the  incentive  calculations,  to  ensure  these  accurately  reflect 
performance during the year amidst considerations of the wider employee context in light of the COVID-19 
pandemic

Reviewed and approved the Terms of Reference of the Committee 

Reviewed and approved the Directors’ Remuneration Report for 2019

Reviewed  and  approved  base  salaries  and  total  remuneration  for  the  Executive  Directors  and  fees  for  the 
Chairman and reviewed senior management remuneration in line with consideration of recent developments 
in remuneration market trends and best practice

Consideration of independence

Mercer Kepler was appointed by the Committee in February 2010 and provided independent remuneration advice to the Committee 
and attended Committee meetings during 2020. Mercer Kepler provides remuneration advice to a large portfolio of clients, including 
many in the FTSE 350 and FTSE Small Cap, reassuring the Committee that the advice provided is appropriate and relevant. Mercer Kepler 
is  a  signatory  to,  and  abides  by,  the  Remuneration  Consultants  Group  Code  of  Conduct.  Further  details  can  be  found  at 
www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com.

Neither Mercer Kepler nor Mercer Kepler’s parent company, the MMC Group, provides non-remuneration services to the Group or is in 
any other way connected to the Group, and Mercer Kepler is therefore considered to be independent. The fees payable in relation to 
work for the Committee in 2020 were US$84 553 excluding VAT.

Following  the  lead  advisor  moving  to  Ellason  LLP,  the  Committee  reviewed  proposals  from  remuneration  advisors  and  decided  to 
appoint Ellason LLP as the independent remuneration advisor to the Committee effective 1 January 2021. Ellason is a signatory to, and 
abides by, the Remuneration Consultants Group Code of Conduct.

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

Summary of shareholder voting
The table below shows the results of the advisory vote on the 2019 Annual Report on Remuneration at the 2020 AGM, and the binding 
vote on the 2020 Remuneration Policy at the 2020 AGM.

2019 Annual Report on Remuneration
Total number of votes
Percentage of votes cast

2020 Remuneration Policy
Total number of votes
Percentage of votes cast

For

Against

Total votes cast

Withheld

95 146 367
87.72%

13 324 138
12.28%

108 470 505
–

1 669 120
–

66 857 401
84.25%

12 497 053
15.75%

79 354 454
–

30 775 171
–

Wider workforce considerations
The Committee considers Executive Director remuneration in the context of pay policies and practices across the wider workforce. We 
value and appreciate the contribution made by our employees and aim to provide them with market-competitive remuneration and 
benefit packages. Our approach to remuneration for our wider workforce is similar to that of Executive Directors and includes both fixed 
and performance-based components. 

Base salaries are reviewed annually and any increases become effective from either 1 January or 1 March, dependent on operation-
specific  remuneration  policies. The  Committee  reviews  salary  increases  for  the  wider  workforce  and  significant  changes  in  practice  
or policy. 

All employees participate in an annual discretionary bonus scheme that rewards both an employee’s contribution to the performance 
of the Group and their individual performance.  

The majority of our workforce receives an employer pension contribution equal to 7.5% of salary per annum and may opt to join a 
medical aid scheme to which the company contributes 50% up to a capped amount.  

We have an open, collaborative and inclusive management structure and engage regularly with our employees on a range of issues. The 
Non-Executive Director, Mazvi Maharasoa, further conduct formal engagement sessions with employees across the Group. Company 
culture is monitored and assessed by the Board on a quarterly basis against pre-determined metrics and a formal employee culture 
survey conducted annually. 

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows the percentage change in total employee pay expenditure and shareholder distributions (ie dividends, share 
buy-backs and return of capital) from the financial year ended 31 December 2019 to the financial year ended 31 December 2020.

Distribution to shareholders
Employee remuneration1
Return of capital

2020 
US$

2019 
US$

% 
increase

3 497 228
19 735 981
–

–
22 808 815
–

100
(13)
–

1 

Includes salary, pension and benefits, bonus, accounting charge for the ESOP, and employer national insurance contribution.

Pay for performance
The graph shows the Company’s TSR performance compared with the performance of the TSR Peer Group and the FTSE 350 Mining 
Index over the 10-year period to 31 December 2020. The TSR Peer Group has been selected to provide a diamond miner comparator 
group and the FTSE 350 Mining Index has been selected as the Group and the constituents of the index are affected by similar commercial 
and economic factors. The table below the graph details the CEO’s single figure of remuneration and actual variable pay outcomes over 
the same period.

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Value of £100 invested on 1 January (Gem Diamonds vs. FTSE350 Mining Index and 2020 TSR Peers (£))

Change in pay from 2019 to 2020

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

31 DEC 10

31 DEC 11

31 DEC 12

31 DEC 13

31 DEC 14

31 DEC 15

31 DEC 16

31 DEC 17

31 DEC 18

31 DEC 19

31 DEC 20

GEM DIAMONDS LIMITED

FTSE 350 MINING INDEX

2020 TSR PEERS

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

CEO single figure of 
remuneration (£)
Annual bonus outcome 
(% of maximum)
ESOP vesting outcome 
(% of maximum)

797 755 564 419 776 406 892 935 879 719 611 314 681 191 995 161 891 643 954 860

75

Nil

13

Nil

61

Nil

83

Nil

74

Nil

0

20

83

63

66

28.3

14.5

21.4

25.9

65.9

The percentage change in Director remuneration compared to other employee pay 
The table below shows a comparison of the annual change of each individual Director’s pay to the annual change in average employee 
pay for the year ended 31 December 2020. Average employee pay is calculated using a mean average. The parent company consists of 
only one employee who is not a Director and the Company therefore chose voluntarily to disclose the change in Directors’ remuneration 
compared to a wider employee comparator group, as this will provide a more representative comparison. Where there is a year-on-year 
decrease in base salary or fees paid to the Directors, this is due to reductions made in response to COVID-19 and additional fees paid to 
Non-Executive Directors for projects during 2019, which have since ceased.

Executive Directors as at 31 December 2020
C Elphick
M Michael
Non-Executive Directors as at 31 December 2020
H Kenyon-Slaney
M Lynch-Bell
M Brown
J Velloza4
M Maharasoa5

Salary/Fees
(% change)1

Benefits 
(% change)2

Annual 
bonuses 
(% change)3

0%
0%

3.7%
4.7%

(1.3%)
(1.3%)

(14.5%)
(16.0%)
(16.0%)
12.0%
96.0%

Average pay of comparator group employees6

(2.0%)

0.7%

4.9%

1  

2  

3 

4  
5  
6  

 The annual percentage change in salary is calculated by reference to actual salary paid for the financial year ended 31 December 2020, compared to the financial year ended 
31 December 2019.
 The annual percentage change in benefits is calculated by reference to the value of benefits received in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2020, compared to the 
financial year ended 31 December 2019. 
 The annual percentage change in bonus is calculated by reference to the bonus payable in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2020, compared to the financial year 
ended 31 December 2019 for Executive Directors, and by reference to all bonus payments received during the financial year ended 31 December 2020 in comparison to the 
financial year ended 31 December 2019 for comparator employees. Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to receive a bonus.
 The increase in fees from 2019 to 2020 reflects the pro-rated period of additional fees for 2019 to the full period of additional fees related to special projects for 2020.
 Appointed to the Board in July 2019. The increase in fees from 2019 to 2020 reflects the pro-rated period of employment in 2019.
 Average employee pay is calculated by reference to the mean average pay of employee comparator group. The base salary average pay includes site-specific operational 
allowances, which in 2020 were suspended for the period the individual was not on site due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Executive directors’ external appointments
Apart from interests in private entities no Executive Director holds any significant executive directorship or appointments outside the 
Group except for Clifford Elphick. He was appointed non-Executive Chairperson of Zanaga Iron Ore Co Limited, which listed on the AIM 
Market of the London Stock Exchange in November 2010. Total fees paid to Clifford Elphick by Zanaga are £83 000. Any fees paid to 
Clifford Elphick in fulfilling these external roles are retained by him.

Salary increases
The Committee approved the following salary increases in 2020:

Executive Director

C Elphick
M Michael

2020 salary
£

2019 salary
£

% 
increase

491 902
324 635

482 257
318 270

2%
2%

Historically, annual increases are effective from 1 April. Following the approval of increases in February 2020, the Committee considered 
the  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  on  the  wider  workforce  and  subsequently  deferred  executive  increases  to  be  effective  from  
1 October 2020.

Pension and other benefits
No formal pension provision is made by the Company. Instead Executive Directors receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension. In 2020, 
this was equivalent to 14.5% and 13% of salary for the CEO and the CFO respectively. Executive Directors received a cash allowance in 
lieu of other non-cash benefits, the values of which were 5.5% and 6% for the CEO and the CFO respectively, during 2020. 

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 202098

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Implementation of remuneration policy for 2020

Total single figure of remuneration for directors

The table below sets out the total single figure remuneration received by each Director for 2020 and the prior year. Although the Group’s  
reporting currency is US dollars, these figures are stated in sterling as the Directors’ emoluments are based in sterling.

Salary and fees1

Cash payments in lieu of 
other non-cash benefits2

Cash payments in
lieu of pension2

Total fixed remuneration

STIB3

ESOP4

Total variable 
remuneration

Total

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

2020
£

2019
£

 472 611 
 311 904 

478 745
315 952

 25 994 
 18 714 

26 332
18 957

 68 529 
 40 547 

69 419
41 073

 567 134 
 371 165 

574 496
375 982

326 379
218 643

302 060
199 347

61 347
45 343

 15 087 
 11 151 

387 726
263 986

 317 147 
 210 498 

954 860
635 151

 891 643 
 586 480 

 117 600 
 53 900 
 53 900 
 107 800 
 53 900 

137 500
64 166
64 166
96 250
27 500

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

117 600
53 900
53 900
107 800
53 900

137 500
64 166
64 166
96 250
27 500

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
7 412
–

–
–
–
4 461
–

–
–
–
7 412
–

–
–
–
4 461
–

117 600
53 900
53 900
115 212
53 900

137 500
64 166
64 166
100 711
27 500

Executive Directors as at 31 December 2020
C Elphick
M Michael
Non-Executive Directors as at 31 December 2020
H Kenyon-Slaney
M Lynch-Bell
M Brown
J Velloza5
M Maharasoa6

Audited

1  Salary and fees. 
2  Benefits and pension: cash payments in lieu.
3  Annual bonus/STIB: payments in relation to performance for the year, paid in cash.
4 

 ESOP: The 2020 figures relate to the values at vesting of awards vesting on performance over the three-year period ended 31 December 2020. The share price on the vesting date is 
currently unknown, therefore the awards are valued using the three-month average share price to 31 December 2020 of 40.47 pence. The 2019 figures have been adjusted to reflect 
the share price on the vesting date of 25.3 pence. The 2020 values at vesting reflect the impact of a 73.6% reduction in share price over the period.
 Fees are 50% standard fees and 50% additional fees related to special projects. The increase in fees relates to additional fees for the full 2020 period compared to a pro-rated period 
for 2019. ESOP vesting relates to awards granted prior to the appointment as non-Executive Director.

5 

6  M Maharasoa was appointed to the Board in July 2019. The 2019 fees relate to the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019.

STIB in respect of 2020 performance

Executive Directors participate in a discretionary annual bonus arrangement focused on the strategic areas of Extracting Maximum Value 
from Our Operations, Working Responsibly and Maintaining Our Social Licence, and Preparing for Our Future, all of which are underpinned 
by specific KPIs and included in the business plan approved by the Board.

In 2020, the maximum bonus opportunity for Executive Directors was 100% of base salary, with 80% linked to a business scorecard and 
20% linked to a discretionary assessment of personal performance. The business scorecard performance measures, targets and actual 
outturns for 2020 are disclosed in full in the table to the right.

Performance measure

Preparing for Our Future
Extracting Maximum Value from Our 
Operations

BT target (US$) (millions) 
Organisational health
Underlying EBITDA1 (US$) (millions)
Earnings per share (US$ cents)
Cash flows from operating activities (US$) (millions)
Waste tonnes mined (millions)
Carats recovered (carats)

Working Responsibly and Maintaining Our 
Social Licence

Fatalities
All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR)
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR)
Major environmental or community incidents

Total score achieved

Weighting
(% of max)

Threshold
target

Stretch
targets

Actual
performance

Pay-out
(% of max)

20 Judged by Committee on a discretionary basis

15

15

61.0

91.5

79.2
5 Judged by Committee on a discretionary basis
53.2
8
9.8
8
96.2
8
8
15.6
100 780
8

46.5
8.66
78.2
22.9
114 890

69.8
12.98
117.3
24.1
134 039

0
 2.20 
 0.11 
0

0
 1.25 
 0 
0

0   

0.76
 0.04 
 0   

5
5
5
5

100

11.1
3
4.9
4.5
5.3
0
0

5
5
4.1
5

62.9

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for definition of non-GAAP measures.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020100

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Preparing for Our Future

In compliance with the Government of Lesotho’s lockdown order, Letšeng temporarily suspended operations from 28 March to 26 April, 
placing the mine on care and maintenance. After successfully engaging with the Government of Lesotho to designate mining as an 
essential service, a restart and ramp-up plan was implemented to commence operations in a responsible and phased manner as soon 
as it was safe and permissible to do so. After a successful restart of mining and ore treatment, ramp-up to normal production at both 
treatment plants was achieved in May, with the commencement of normal waste mining in July. The success of the ramp-up plan and 
the return to normal production levels following the shutdown period was possible due to a phased approach, localised in-house skills 
and collaborative contractor engagement.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group rapidly established a mobile COVID-19 testing laboratory, the only such independent 
unit in Lesotho which facilitated the effective detection and control of the virus in and around the Letšeng operation. Supported by 
expert advice, a wide range of precautions were implemented to protect employees, contractors and the surrounding communities. 

National lockdowns resulted in the diamond market deteriorating sharply and, in addition, travel restrictions placed strain on traditional 
tender methods. To counter these challenges a flexible sales process was designed and adopted to continue to generate vital revenue.

The impact of COVID-19 placed notable stress on the Group’s cash flows. Substantial time and effort were devoted to managing cash  
to  ensure  the  Group  was  sufficiently  funded  during  this  period.  The  Group  managed  a  net  increase  in  cash  of  US$44.8  million  
during 2020 which has increased the Group’s cash position from US$10.2 million net debt at 2019 year-end to US$34.6 million net cash 
at 2020 year-end.

The Company’s share price fell in 2020 in line with the general market sentiment in the sector but was still the best performing share 
over three years compared to its peer group and has doubled since the low of the pandemic crisis in 2020. 

The Ghaghoo mine remains on care and maintenance and the process to sell the asset continues, but the sale was significantly delayed 
during the year due to the impact of COVID-19. Management remains committed to the sale and will conclude the process in 2021.

The  Committee  reviewed  performance  in  this  area  during  2020  on  a  holistic  basis  and  determined  that  a  score  of  15  out  20  was 
appropriate.

Organisational Health

During 2020 the Group retained its FTSE4Good rating due to its continued excellence in ESG issues. Organisational Health was measured 
against metrics such as turnover and absenteeism rates; training data; recruitment; reward and promotion decisions; whistleblowing, 
grievance and ‘speak-up’ data, board interaction with senior management and workforce; promptness of payments to suppliers; health 
and safety data and an annual employee culture survey. Scores increased in all areas save for training and in the annual employee culture 
survey. Training spend and number of employees trained decreased in 2020, as most institutions were closed due to implemented 
COVID-19 restrictions. In-house training was limited due to on-site COVID-19 protocols restricting the number of personal interactions. 
Where possible, on-line training was conducted specifically related to leadership, Continuous Improvement (CI) practices and safety. The 
culture survey highlighted specific issues within some of the Company’s major contractor groups. Improvements were seen in certain 
departments, attesting to the efforts amongst others related to CI, although there was a slight decline in the overall score. This shows 
again that in isolation surveys only offer insight at a point in time.

The Committee reviewed performance in this area and determined that a score of 3 out 5 was appropriate.

Personal performance

20% of the STIB is linked to personal performance, with objectives linked to each Executive Director’s individual areas of responsibility 
and  designed  to  collectively  support  the  achievement  of  the  Group’s  strategic  targets  for  the  year.  Individual  targets  comprised 
contributions to the Group’s overall performance and the delivery of strategic projects and initiatives as set out by the Board including 
operational performance, strengthening of key stakeholder relationships, bank financing, and treasury management, HSSE objectives 
and strategy development and implementation.

Clifford Elphick

Strategic focus area

Performance

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 The technology to detect diamonds with kimberlite, prior to non-mechanical means of liberation was 
successfully advanced as expected.

 The sale of the Ghaghoo asset was hindered as a result of COVID-19 challenges during 2020.

 The optimisation of the operating model was delivered through further steepening of slopes and 
improved drilling.

 The Continuous Improvement (CI) project was rolled out to pilot departments within the Group and 
delivered noticeable results.

 The adoption of six UN Sustainability goals paved the way for increased focus on ESG matters that are 
material to the Group.

 COVID-19 specific responses included a wide range of precautions implemented to protect employees, 
contractors and the surrounding communities. These measures included thermal screening, X-ray 
screening, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Rapid Anti-body and Anti-gen Diagnostic screening. Over 
750 food parcels have been distributed to the most vulnerable members of the communities in which 
we operate.

Clifford Elphick’s leadership during this challenging year ensured all executives remained focused and worked toward a common 
goal – to ensure the sustainability of the Group. His specialised skills in the diamond industry equipped him to design a flexible sales 
process in order to continue to generate vital revenue when national lock-downs rendered normal tender processes impossible.

In consideration of these factors and overall performance of the business, the Committee determined that a score of 16% of the 
maximum 20% for this element was appropriate.

Michael Michael

Strategic focus area

Performance

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Robust cost and cashflow management reduced cash outflow during the year which contributed to the 
sustainability of the business during 2020 and resulted in a net cash increase of US$44.8 million improving 
the Group’s cash position from US$10.2 million net debt at 2019 year-end to US$34.6 million net cash at 
2020 year-end, positioning it appropriately for 2021 and ahead.

 The finance talent population was developed further in support of the Company’s strategic objectives.

 Despite the in-country lockdown, subsequent operational shutdown and other COVID-19-related 
challenges, significant progress has been made in 2020 with US$79.2 million of the US$100m BT four-year 
target achieved, with the Group being on target to deliver the full value by the end of 2021.

 Successfully monitored appropriate risk and governance processes and responses consistent with the 
Group’s risk appetite.

 The Group rapidly established a mobile COVID-19 testing laboratory, the only independent testing 
laboratory in Lesotho which facilitated the response to the detection and control of the virus

In consideration of these factors and overall performance of the business, the Committee determined that a score of 17% of the 
maximum 20% for this element was appropriate.

Extracting maximum value  
from our operations

Working responsibly and 
maintaining our social licence

Preparing for our future

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020102

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

The formulaic outcome from the business scorecard for Group performance was 62.9% (i.e. 50.3% out of the maximum 80%) which, 
combined with the personal element, resulted in formulaic STIB outcomes of 66.4% and 67.4% of maximum for the CEO and the CFO, 
respectively. 

Based on business and personal performance, actual bonuses for 2020 were as follows:

Performance measure

C Elphick
M Michael

ESOP: 2018 awards vesting in 2021

% of salary

66.4
67.4

Bonus 
£

326 379
218 643

The Executive Directors were granted awards of performance shares in March 2018, which are set out in the table below.

Performance measure

TSR versus diamond mining 
peer group

BT

Underlying EBITDA (US$ million)

EPS (US cents)

Number 
options 
granted

Share price 
on date of 
award
£

Face value 
on date of 
award
£

Face value 
as % of 
salary

Date of 
grant

Vesting date

Executive Director

Directors as at 31 December 2020
C Elphick
M Michael

20 March 2018
20 March 2018

230 000
170 000

0.964
0.964

 221 720 
 163 880 

47 20 March 2021
53 20 March 2021

US$ p/ct

Vesting of the awards was dependent on relative TSR against companies in the diamond mining sector (25% of the award) and Business 
Transformation (25%) measured over the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020.  Profit and production (50%) were measured on 
an annual basis with respect to the business plan for the year, with final vesting based on the average achievement of targets over the 
three years. The performance conditions that applied to these awards are summarised in the table to the right.

Ore tonnes treated

Carats recovered

Weighting 
(% of max)

Performance 
period

Threshold 
(20% vesting)

Stretch 
(80% vesting)

Super stretch 
(100% vesting)

Actual 
performance

Vesting 
outcome 
(% of max)

25

25

10

10

10

10

10

100

3 yr

Median

75th 
percentile

85th 
percentile

Top of group

25 

68.6

43.5

55.2

46.5

5.44

10.3

8.66

1 722

1 624

1 490

6.4

6.6

6.6

76.3

65.2

82.8

69.8

8.16

15.44

12.98

2 330

2 198

2 015

7.1

6.9

6.9

83.9

71.8

81

76.7

8.98

16.99

14.28

2 563

2 417

2 217

7.8

7.2

7.3

79.2

82.3

40.9

53.2

18.8

5.1

9.8

2 131

1 637

1 908

6.5

6.7

5.4

106 104

143 552

157 907

126 875

109 800

128 100

140 300

113 974

114 890

134 039

146 804

100 780

3 yr

2018

2019

2020

Average

2018

2019

2020

Average

2018

2019

2020

Average

2018

2019

2020

Average

2018

2019

2020

Average

21.9

10

0

3.8

4.6

10

0

3.1

4.4

6.0

2.1

6.8

5.0

2.6

3.8

0.0

2.1

5.3

3.4

0.0

2.9

65.9

For each measure, for achievement between threshold and stretch, and stretch and super-stretch, the award vested on a straight-line 
basis. Achievement of less than threshold received no vesting.

Based  on  performance  to  31  December  2020,  65.9%  of  the  maximum  award  will  vest  for  Clifford  Elphick  and  Michael  Michael  in  
March 2021, subject to their continued employment at the time. 

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020104

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ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ESOP awards granted in 2020

Directors’ shareholding and interests in shares

In June 2020, the CEO and the CFO received performance shares with face values of 15% and 17% of their then salaries respectively, as 
summarised in the table below. The Committee considered guidance during the year provided by major investors around the need to 
protect against windfall gains for equity-based awards granted in 2020, following reductions in share prices for many listed companies 
impacted by COVID-19. The Committee is satisfied that the approach used to grant ESOP awards in recent cycles, i.e. the same number 
of shares in each cycle (to minimise the impact on dilution), inherently protects against windfall gains as it avoids granting more shares 
when the share price falls.

Details  of  interests  in  the  share  capital  of  the  Company  of  those  Directors  in  office  as  at  31  December  2020  are  given  below.  It  is 
confirmed that there were no changes to the Directors’ holdings between 31 December 2020 and up to the date of this report. During 
the period 3 February 2021 to 4 February 2021, the CEO sold Option Shares in order to realise the value allocated to him under his 
remuneration package. The exercise of the Nil Cost options and subsequent sale of the Option Shares had no net effect on the number 
of ordinary shares in the Company held by him prior to exercise of the Nil Cost options. No Director held an interest in the shares of any 
subsidiary company.

Executive Director

C Elphick
M Michael

Number 
options 
granted

230 000
170 000

Share price 
on date of 
award
£1

Face value 
on date of 
award

Face value as 
% of salary

0.3175
0.3175

 73 025 
 53 975 

15%
17%

Date of 
grant

9 June 2020
9 June 2020

1  The prior year figures reported have been adjusted to reflect the share price on the award date of 31.75 pence.

The performance conditions that apply to these awards are summarised in the table below.

Performance measure

Weighting
(% of award)

Threshold
(20% vesting)

Stretch
(80% vesting)

Super-stretch
(100% vesting)

TSR versus tailored diamond mining peer group2

25%

Median

Operating  
performance 
(measured  
annually)

Underlying EBITDA1

Earnings per share

US$ per carat

Carats recovered

18.75%

18.75%

18.75%

18.75%

80%

80%

85%

90%

75th 
percentile

85th 
percentile

120%

120%

115%

105%

132%

132%

126.5%

115%

1  Refer Note 4, Operating profit on page 145, for definition of non-GAAP measures.
2  Firestone Diamonds, Lucapa Diamond, Lucara Diamond, Mountain Province Diamonds and Petra Diamonds.

Operating  performance  will  be  measured  annually  against  the  business  plan  for  the  year,  with  final  vesting  based  on  the  average 
achievement of targets over the three years. The Board considers the business plan to be aspirational in nature, where achievement of 
stretch  and  super-stretch  targets  –  particularly  in  relation  to  operating  performance  –  would  represent  an  outstanding  level  of 
performance that far surpasses the industry standard. The Committee carefully considered the business plan for 2020 for each measure.

Operating performance targets relate to the Company’s business plan and strategy and, as such, are considered commercially sensitive 
and will therefore be disclosed in full after the performance period has ended.

Details of outstanding awards of performance options to Director

Performance 
options 
as at 
1 January 
20201

Director

Granted 
in the 
year

Vested 
in the 
year

Lapsed 
in the 
year

Exercise 
price
£

Date of grant

Earliest normal 
exercise date

Expiry date

Performance 
options 
outstanding 
as at 
31 December 
2020

M Michael

37 0882 

–

–

–

177.6

11 September 
2012

1 January 
2016

31 December 
2023

37 088

Audited
1 

 An option is a right to acquire shares granted under the plan including, unless indicated otherwise, a zero-cost option. The three-month average share price to December 2020 was 
40.47 pence. The highest and lowest closing prices in the year were 70.52 pence and 23 pence respectively. Details of the vesting conditions, which are subject to audit, for awards 
made under the ESOP are included in note 28 of the financial statements and a full set of the rules will be available for inspection at the AGM.

2  These awards were granted to M Michael before he became a Director.

Performance 
shares held

Performance 
options held

Shares owned 
outright as at 
31 December
 2020

Subject to 
perfor-
mance 
conditions

Unvested 
and 
subject to 
continued 
employ-
ment only

Vested
but not 
exercised

Subject 
to perfor-
mance 
conditions

Vested 
but not
 exercised

Total 
sharehold-
ing as a % 
of salary

Share-
holding 
guideline 
met

Executive Directors
C Elphick1
M Michael
Non-Executive Directors 
H Kenyon Slaney
J Velloza3
M Brown 

9 325 000
171 849

460 000
340 000

151 586
112 042

50 000 
45 450 
67 124 

–
–
–

–
18 315
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
37 088

–
–
–

784%
26%

17%
33%
48%

✔
 2

n/a
n/a
n/a

Audited
1  CT Elphick is interested in these ordinary shares by virtue of his interest as a potential beneficiary in a discretionary trust which has an indirect interest in those ordinary shares.
2 

 In terms of the shareholding guidelines, M Michael is required to retain at least 50% of his vested awards until the guideline has been met. The year-on-year shareholding as a % of 
salary has decreased by 4% as a result of the decrease in share price.

3  These awards were granted to J Velloza prior to his appointment as a non-Executive Director.

Implementation of remuneration policy for 2021
The Committee determined that base salaries will remain unchanged for 2021: 

Executive Director

C Elphick
M Michael

Pension and benefits

2021 salary
£

2020 salary
£

% 
increase

491 902
324 635

491 902
324 635

0
0

The Executive Directors will continue to receive cash supplements in lieu of pension and benefits in 2021. Subject to the approval of the 
proposed 2021 remuneration policy at the June 2021 AGM, Executive Directors’ pensions will be reduced per annum over five years 
starting from 1 April 2021, to align with that of the workforce (currently 7.5% of salary) as indicated in the table below:

1 April 2021

1 April 2022

1 April 2023

1 April 2024

1 April 2025

1 April 2026

C Elphick
M Michael

13.3%
12.1%

12.2%
11.2%

11.0%
10.3%

9.8%
9.3%

8.7%
8.4%

7.5%
7.5%

Pension contributions to any new Executive Director appointments will be capped at the prevailing workforce pension rate at the time. 

The current allowance in lieu of non-cash benefits will remain unchanged from 2020.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020106

107

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

GDIP

The 2021 remuneration policy replaces the STIB and ESOP with a single integrated incentive, the Gem Diamonds Incentive Plan or ‘GDIP’. 

The GDIP will be structured as follows:

• 

• 

 Executive Directors will have a maximum annual award opportunity of 180% of salary. This is derived from a combination of the 
100% of salary currently available under STIB and an additional 80% of salary based on the 125% currently available under the ESOP. 
It is subject to a c.35% discount to reflect the shorter performance period of the GDIP. 

 Earned incentive will be delivered 55% in cash and 45% in deferred shares vesting in one-third annual tranches after one, two and 
three years, subject to continued employment and good/bad leaver provisions over this period. Vested awards will also be subject 
to a two-year post-vesting holding period. This provides the same cash/deferred equity mix as the current STIB/ESOP combination, 
and ensures the deferred shares are released over the same time horizon as the current ESOP, with the average release date of 
GDIP shares at five years from the start of the cycle – see illustration below:

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

T
N
E
R
R
U
C

STIBs

ESOP

Cash bonus paid

Performance period

Performance period

Shares vest

2 year hold

Shares released

Cash bonus paid

GDIP

Performance period

Shares vest

2 year hold

Shares released

Shares vest

2 year hold

Shares released

Shares vest

2 year hold

Shares released

D
E
S
O
P
O
R
P

• 

 Pay-out is based on a scorecard of financial, operational and personal objectives measured over the financial year, with a reduction in 
the number of measures compared to prior years and an increased weighting on EBITDA. This is consistent with the current approach 
for STIB and for 75% of the current ESOP awards, with increased focus on financial measures important to our shareholders. There is a 
reduction in the pay-out under the GDIP to 20% of maximum at threshold and 50% at target (currently 50% and 68% respectively 
under the STIB).

The performance measures will continue to support the delivery of the Group’s key strategic priorities as set out on page 21 of this 
Annual  Report  and  Accounts  2020,  with  85%  linked  to  business  performance  and  15%  to  personal  performance.  For  the  business 
performance element, performance may continue to be linked to the Group’s three key strategic priorities of Extracting Maximum Value 
from Our Operations; Working Responsibly and Maintaining Our Social Licence; and Preparing for Our Future. The weightings that apply 
to the elements of the scorecard for 2021 are summarised in the table below.

Personal performance

Group performance

Preparing for Our Future

As set out in strategic focus areas

Extracting Maximum Value

Underlying EBITDA (US$)

Costs (US$)

Carats recovered (carats)

Working Responsibly, Maintaining Social Licence

Any fatality will result in 100% forfeiture of this element

All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) 

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) 

Any major environmental/community incident will result in 100% forfeiture of this element

15%

85%

10%

10%

55%

30%

15%

10%

20%

5%

5%

5%

5%

Targets are considered sensitive and will be disclosed in full on a retrospective basis in next year’s report. In approving these targets, the 
Committee considered a range of perspectives on performance outcomes, including internal and external reference points. 

ESOP

Subject  to  the  approval  of  the  proposed  2021  remuneration 
policy at the June 2020 AGM, the ESOP will no longer exist in its 
current form. Therefore no awards will be issued during 2021.

Dilution

Employee  share  awards  may  be  satisfied  with  newly  issued 
shares subject to aggregate dilution limits. The issue of shares to 
satisfy  awards  under  the  Company’s  share  schemes  will  not 
exceed 10% of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital in 
any rolling 10-year period. As of 31 December 2020, a total of 
13 961 223 shares (10% of issued share capital) may be issued 
pursuant to all current awards outstanding over the last 10 years.  

The Committee has the discretion to partly cash purchase the 
deferred  shares  to  keep  within  the  dilution  limits  and  to 
determine  whether  the  deferred  shares  should  be  purchased 
over a period.

As  at  31  December  2020,  the  Company’s  headroom  position, 
which remains within the current IA Guidelines, was as shown in 
the chart below:

DILUTION HEADROOM

%

Headroom

Outstanding options

6.17

3.83

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
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109

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

C Elphick (CEO)

Total

M Michael (CFO)

Performance
shares1 as at
1 January 
2020

 58 209 
 33 425 
 49 300 
 230 000 
 230 000 
 230 000 

Date of grant

10-Jun-14
01-Apr-15
15-Mar-16
04-Jul-17
20-Mar-18
20-Mar-19
09-Jun-20

Granted in
the year

Vested in
the year

Lapsed in
the year

 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
–
 230 000 

 –   
 –   
 – 
 59 633 
 –   
–
–

 –   
 –   
 – 
 170 367 
 –   
–
–

–

 830 934 

 230 000 

 59 633 

 170 367 

11-Sep-12
10-Jun-14
01-Apr-15
15-Mar-16
04-Jul-17
20-Mar-18
20-Mar-19
09-Jun-20

 18 544 
 31 648 
 24 706 
 36 439 
 170 000 
 170 000 
 170 000 

 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
–
 170 000 

 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
 44 076 
 –   
–
–

 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
 125 924 
 –   
–
–

Total

–

 621 337 

 170 000 

 44 076 

 125 924 

Audited
1  Conditional right to acquire shares.

Chairperson and non-Executive Director fees

Chairperson and non-Executive Director fees were reviewed in February 2021 and found to be appropriate. Fees will therefore  remain 
unchanged for 2021.

Market value 
at date of 
grant
US$

Earliest normal
exercise date

 556 200 
 453 100 
 322 000 
 253 000 
 308 200 
 274 454 
 92 742 

10-Jun-17
01-Apr-18
15-Mar-19
04-Jul-20
20-Mar-21
20-Mar-22
09-Jun-23

Expiry date

10-Jun-24
01-Apr-25
15-Mar-26
04-Jul-27
20-Mar-28
20-Mar-29
09-Jun-30

–

–

–

 68 400 
 302 400 
 334 900 
 238 000 
 187 000 
 227 800 
 202 858 
 68 548 

01-Jan-16
10-Jun-17
01-Apr-18
15-Mar-19
04-Jul-20
20-Mar-21
20-Mar-22
09-Jun-23

31-Dec-23
10-Jun-24
01-Apr-25
15-Mar-26
04-Jul-27
20-Mar-28
20-Mar-29
09-Jun-30

Performance 
shares 
outstanding 
as at
31 December
2020

58 209
33 425
49 300
59 633
230 000
230 000
230 000

890 567

–
–
–
–
–
 170 000 
 170 000 
 170 000 

–

–

–

 510 000 

Exercised in
the year

Exercise price
US$

 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
 –   
–
–

 –   

 18 544 
 31 648 
 24 706 
 36 439 
 44 076 
 –   
–
–

 155 413 

 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 

–

 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 
 0.01 

–

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020110

111

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_IAR_2020_15004_202100316_V07_CS_16h30

The Directors are pleased to submit the financial statements of 
the Group for the year ended 31 December 2020.

As  a  British  Virgin  Islands  (BVI)  registered  company,  Gem 
Diamonds  Limited 
is  not  obliged  to  conform  with  the 
Companies  Act,  2006.  However,  the  Directors  have  elected  to 
conform to the requirements of the Companies Act, 2006.

This requires that the Directors present a Strategic Report and a 
Directors’  Report  to  inform  shareholders  of  the  Company  and 
help  them  assess  the  extent  to  which  the  Directors  performed 
their fiduciary duty. The 2020 Annual Report and Accounts will 
include  disclosure  on  how  the  Directors  have  performed  their 
duty  to  promote  the  success  of  the  Company,  in  line  with  the 
Companies Act, 2006.

For  the  purposes  of  compliance  with  DTR  4.1.5R(3)  and  DTR 
4.1.8R, the required content of the Management Report can be 
found  in  the  Strategic  Report  and  the  Directors’  Report,  
the  Governance  section  including  the  sections  of  the  Annual 
Report and Accounts which are incorporated by reference.

The  Strategic  Report  can  be  found  on  pages  2  to  50  and  has 
been prepared to provide the Company’s shareholders with a 
fair review of the business of the Company and a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties facing it. It may not be relied 
upon by anyone, including the Company’s shareholders, for any 
other purpose.

The Strategic Report and other sections of this report contain 
forward-looking  statements.  By  their  nature,  forward-looking 
statements 
involve  several  risks,  uncertainties  and  future 
assumptions because they relate to events and/or depend on 
circumstances that may or may not occur in the future which 
could  cause  actual  results  and  outcomes  to  differ  materially 
from  those  expressed  or  implied  by  the  forward-looking 
statements. No assurance can be given that the forward-looking 
statements in the Strategic Report will be realised. Statements 
about  the  Directors’  expectations,  beliefs,  hopes,  plans, 
intentions and strategies are inherently subject to change and 
are  based  on  expectations  and  assumptions  about  future 
events,  circumstances  and  other  factors  which  are,  in  some 
cases, outside the Company’s control. The information contained 
in  the  Strategic  Report  has  been  prepared  based  on  the 
knowledge and information available to Directors at the date of 
its  preparation  and  the  Company  does  not  undertake  any 
obligation to update or revise the Strategic Report during the 
financial year ahead. It is believed that the expectations set out 
in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, but they may 
be  affected  by  a  wide  range  of  variables  which  could  cause 
actual results or trends to differ materially. The forward-looking 
statements  should  be  read  in  context  with  actual  historic 
information  provided.  The  Company’s  shareholders  are 
cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking 
statements. Shareholders should note that the Strategic Report 
has not been audited.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The  UK  Financial  Conduct  Authority’s  Disclosure  Guidance  and 
Transparency Rules (DTR 7.2) require that certain information be 
included  in  a  corporate  governance  statement  set  out  in  the 
Directors’ Report. The Group has an existing practice of issuing a 
separate Corporate Governance Code Compliance Report as part 
of its Annual Report. The information required by the Disclosure 
Guidance and Transparency Rules and the UK Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Listing Rules (LR 9.8.6) is located on pages 2 to 50.

DIRECTORS
The  Directors,  as  at  the  date  of  this  report,  are  listed  on  
pages 182 to 185 together with their biographical details. Details 
of  the  Directors’  interests  in  shares  and  share  options  of  the 
Company can be found on page 105.

DIRECTORS WHO HELD OFFICE DURING 
THE YEAR AND DATE OF APPOINTMENT/
RESIGNATION

Appointment

Resignation

Executive Directors
C Elphick
M Michael

Non-executive Directors
H Kenyon-Slaney
M Brown
M Lynch-Bell
J Velloza
M Maharasoa

20 January 2006
22 April 2013

n/a
n/a

6 June 2017
1 January 2018
n/a
15 December 2015 n/a
n/a
1 July 2018
n/a
1 July 2019

PROTECTION AVAILABLE TO DIRECTORS
By law, Directors are ultimately responsible for most aspects of the 
Group’s  business  dealings.  Consequently,  they  face  potentially 
significant personal liability under criminal or civil law, or the UK 
Listing,  Prospectus  and  Disclosure  and Transparency  Rules  and 
face a range of penalties including private or public censure, fines 
and/or  imprisonment.  In  line  with  normal  market  practice,  the 
Group  believes  that  it  is  in  its  best  interests  to  protect  the 
individuals prepared to serve on its Board from the consequences 
of innocent error or omission, as this enables the Group to attract 
prudent individuals to act as Directors.

The  Group  therefore  has,  and  continues  to  maintain,  at  its 
expense,  a  Director  and  Officer’s  liability  insurance  policy  to 
provide indemnity, in certain circumstances, for the benefit of 
Directors and other Group employees.

Please refer to the Corporate Governance statement on page 59 
for further details.

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
No Director had, at any time during the year, a material interest 
in  any  contract  of  significance  in  relation  to  the  Company’s 
business. The interest of Directors in the shares of the Company 
is included on page 105.

SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS
Faced  with  the  COVID-19  pandemic  in  2020,  we  engaged 
extensively  and  transparently  with  contractors  and  suppliers  to 
ensure alignment, mutual understanding and the sustainability of 
all parties during an unprecedented crisis.

Similarly,  we  adapted  our  sales  processes  and  together  with 
ongoing communication with our customers, we were able to 
sell our diamonds at market-related prices throughout the year.

For more details on our engagement with suppliers, contractors 
and customers, please see the Stakeholder Engagement section 
on pages 15 to 20.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The  Group’s  attributable  profit  after  taxation  amounted  to 
US$13.6 million (2019: US$2.6 million).

The Group’s detailed financial results are set out in the financial 
statements section on pages 113 to 173.

Based  on  positive  earnings  generated  and  disciplined  cash 
management,  the  Board  recommends  that  a  dividend  be 
declared  for  the  2020  financial  year. The  Board  has  adopted  a 
dividend policy that determines the appropriate dividend each 
year, based on consideration of the Company’s cash resources; 
the level of free cash flow and earnings generated during the 
year;  and  expected  funding  commitments  for  capital  projects 
relating to the Group’s operational requirements. The Board has 
also adopted a policy to consider special dividends in the event 
of  significant  diamond  recoveries  and  to  consider  a  share 
buyback programme should the opportunity arise.

GOING CONCERN
The  Company’s  business  activities,  together  with  the  factors 
likely  to  affect  its  future  development,  performance  and 
position,  are  set  out  in  the  Strategic  Report  on  pages  2  
to 50. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows and 
liquidity  position  are  described  in  the  Strategic  Report  on  
pages 36 to 42. In addition, Note 27 and Note 29 to the financial 
statements  include  the  Company’s  objectives,  policies  and 
processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management 
objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its exposures 
to credit and liquidity risk.

After  making  enquiries  which  review  forecasts  and  budgets, 
timing of cash flows, borrowing facilities and sensitivity analyses 
and considering the uncertainties described in this report either 
directly  or  by  cross-reference,  the  Directors  have  a  reasonable 

expectation that the Group has adequate financial resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For 
this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the Annual Report and Accounts of the Company.

VIABILITY STATEMENT
In  accordance  with  provision  C.2.2  of  the  2018  UK  Corporate 
Governance Code, the Directors have assessed the prospect of 
the Company over a period longer than 12 months as required 
by the ’going concern’ provision. The viability statement can be 
found in the Strategic Report on page 31.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Refer  Note  31  of  the  financial  statements  for  details  of  events 
subsequent to the reporting date.

SHARE CAPITAL AND VOTING RIGHTS
Details  of  the  authorised  and  issued  share  capital  of  the 
Company,  including  the  rights  pertaining  to  each  share  class, 
are set out in Note 17 to the financial statements.

As at 10 March 2021, there were 139.9 million fully paid ordinary 
shares  of  US$0.01  each  in  issue  and  listed  on  the  official  list 
maintained by the FCA in its capacity as the UK Listing Authority.

The Company has one class of ordinary shares. Shareholders have 
the right to receive notice of and attend, speak and vote at any 
general  meeting  of  the  Company.  Each  shareholder  who  is 
present in person (or, being a corporation, by representative) or 
by proxy at a general meeting on a show of hands has one vote 
and, on a poll, every such holder present in person (or, being a 
corporation, by representative) or by proxy shall have one vote in 
respect  of  every  ordinary  share  held  by  them. To  be  valid,  the 
appointment  of  a  proxy  to  vote  at  a  general  meeting  must  be 
received  not  less  than  48  hours  before  the  time  appointed  for 
holding the meeting. In addition, the holders of ordinary shares 
have the right to participate in dividends and other distributions 
according to their respective rights and interests in the profit of 
the Company.

There  are  no  shareholders  who  carry  any  special  rights  with 
regard  to  the  control  of  the  Company.  The  Company  is  not 
aware of any agreements between holders of securities which 
may  result  in  restrictions  on  transfers  or  voting  rights,  save  as 
mentioned below.

There  are  no  restrictions  on  the  transfer  of  ordinary  shares  
other than:

• 

• 

• 

as set out in the Company’s Articles of Association; 

 certain restrictions may from time to time be imposed by 
laws and regulations; and

 pursuant to the Company’s share dealing code whereby 
the Directors and employees of the Company require 
approval to deal in the Company’s ordinary shares.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020112

113
113

FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

DIRECTORS’ REPORT CONTINUED

At the AGM held in 2020, shareholders authorised the Company 
to make on-market purchases of up to 13 908 796 of its ordinary 
shares, representing approximately 10% of the Company issued 
share  capital  at  that  time.  During  2020,  the  Company  did  not 
make  any  on-market  or  off-market  purchases  of  its  shares  or 
shares  under  any  buy-back  programme.  Shareholders  will  be 
asked  at  the  2021  AGM  to  renew  this  authority. The  Directors 
have no present intention to exercise this authority, if granted. 
Details  of  deadlines  for  exercising  voting  rights  and  proxy 
appointments will be set out in the 2021 Notice of AGM.

MAJOR INTERESTS IN SHARES
Details  of  the  major  interests  (at  or  above  3%)  in  the  issued 
ordinary  shares  of  the  Company  are  set  out  in  the  Strategic 
Report on page 43.

the  understanding  of  existing 

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Resource  development  activities  were  concentrated  on 
improving 
resources  at  
Letšeng.  Further  details  can  be  found  in  the  Operational  
Review  on  page  43.  For  more  information  on  the  current 
Resources  and  Reserves  statement  refer  to  the  Company’s 
website www.gemdiamonds.com. 

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND 
SUSTAINABILITY
A 
responsibility, 
is 
environmental  performance  and  community  participation 
presented  in  the  Sustainable  Development  Reporting  Platform, 
available on Gem Diamonds’ website www.gemdiamonds.com. 

review  of  health,  safety,  corporate  social 

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT (CSI) 
EXPENDITURE
Details of the Group’s CSI investment during 2020 can be found 
in the Sustainability section on pages 48 to 50.

POLITICAL DONATIONS
The Group made no political donations during 2020.

GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS AND 
ENERGY CONSUMPTION SUMMARY
Details on the Group’s carbon footprint and energy consumption 
in  the  Sustainability  section  on  
in  2020  can  be  found 
pages 48 to 50.

By order of the Board 

Harry Kenyon-Slaney 
Non-Executive Chairman 
10 March 2021

Gem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements

Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Report on payments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
114

115

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of Gem Diamonds Limited

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Opinion 
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Gem 
Diamonds  Limited  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  Group)  set  out  on 
pages 118 to 173, which comprise the consolidated statement of 
financial position as at 31 December 2020, and the consolidated 
statement  of  profit  or  loss,  consolidated  statement  of  other 
comprehensive  income,  consolidated  statement  of  changes  in 
equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year 
then  ended,  and  notes  to  the  financial  statements,  including  a 
summary of significant accounting policies.

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial 
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2020, and of its 
consolidated financial performance and consolidated cash flows 
for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards.

Basis for Opinion
We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International 
Standards  on  Auditing  (ISAs).  Our  responsibilities  under  those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for 
the  Audit  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  section  of  our 
report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the 
Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ Code of Professional 
(IRBA  Code)  and  other 
Conduct 

for  Registered  Auditors 

independence requirements applicable to performing audits of 
financial statements of the Group and in South Africa. We have 
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the 
IRBA  Code  and  in  accordance  with  other  ethical  requirements 
applicable to performing audits of the Group and in South Africa. 
The IRBA Code is consistent with the corresponding sections of 
the 
for  Accountants’ 
for  Professional  Accountants 
International  Code  of  Ethics 
(including  International  Independence  Standards).  We  believe 
that  the  audit  evidence  we  have  obtained  is  sufficient  and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

International  Ethics  Standards  Board 

Key Audit Matters
Key  audit  matters  are  those  matters  that,  in  our  professional 
judgement,  were  of  most  significance  in  the  audit  of  the 
consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  current  period.  These 
matters  were  addressed  in  the  context  of  the  audit  of  the 
consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming the 
auditor’s  opinion  thereon,  and  we  do  not  provide  a  separate 
opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description 
of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We  have  fulfilled  the  responsibilities  described  in  the  Auditor’s 
Responsibilities for the Audit of the consolidated financial statements 
section  of  our  report,  including  in  relation  to  these  matters. 
Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures 
designed  to  respond  to  our  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material 
misstatement  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  The 
including  the  procedures 
results  of  our  audit  procedures, 
performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our 
audit  opinion  on  the  accompanying  consolidated  financial 
statements. 

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF 
THE DIRECTORS IN RESPECT OF 
THE ANNUAL REPORT AND 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Directors confirm that the financial statements, prepared in 
accordance  with  IFRS,  give  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group and 
the  undertakings  included  in  the  consolidation  taken  as  a 
whole.  In  addition,  suitable  accounting  policies  have  been 
selected and applied consistently.

Information, including accounting policies, has been presented 
in  a  manner  that  provides  relevant,  reliable,  comparable  and 
understandable  information,  and  additional  disclosures  have 
been provided when compliance with the specific requirements 
in IFRS have been insufficient to enable users to understand the 
financial  impact  of  particular  transactions,  other  events  and 
conditions  on  the  Group’s  financial  position  and  financial 
performance.  Where  necessary,  the  Directors  have  made 
judgements and estimates that are reasonable.

The Directors of the Company have elected to comply with the 
Companies  Act,  2006, 
in  particular  the  requirements  of 
Schedule  8  to  The  Large  and  Medium-sized  Companies  and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2013 of the United 
Kingdom  pertaining  to  Directors’  remuneration  which  would 
otherwise only apply to companies incorporated in the  UK.

Michael Michael
Chief Financial Officer

10 March 2021

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and  the  Group  financial  statements 
in  accordance  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Having taken 
advice  from  the  Audit  Committee,  the  Board  considers  the 
report  and  accounts  taken  as  a  whole,  are  fair,  balanced  and 
understandable and that they provide the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, business 
model and strategy.

The Strategic Report and Directors’ Report include a fair review 
of the development and performance of the business and the 
position of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS
The Directors must not approve the financial statements unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Group, and of their profit or loss for that period. 
In  preparing  the  Group  financial  statements,  the  Directors  are 
required to:

• 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 
consistently;

•  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 

prudent;

• 

• 

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with 
IFRS;

state whether applicable IFRS have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
Group financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group 
will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records  that  are  sufficient  to  show  and  explain  the  Group’s 
transactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, 
the financial position of the Group. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding  the  assets  of  the  Group  and  hence  for  taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020116

117

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT continued

Key Audit Matter
COVID-19  IMPACT:  UNCERTAINTY  WITH  ASSUMPTIONS 
USED  TO  FORECAST  THE  PROSPECTIVE  FINANCIAL 
INFORMATION APPLIED IN THE IMPAIRMENT AND GOING 
CONCERN MODELS.

Management  performs  an  annual  impairment  test  on  goodwill  as 
required by IAS 36 Impairment of Assets and an annual going concern 
assessment using discounted and undiscounted cash flows. Goodwill 
relates to the Group’s investment in the Letšeng Diamond mine.

During  the  year,  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and  the  resulting 
lockdown  restrictions  halted  production  at  the  Group’s  Letšeng 
mine  for  a  period.  It  further  impacted  trading  and  reduced  the 
number of tenders due to the availability of goods and lockdown 
restrictions. 

There is an inherent uncertainty in forecasting and discounting future 
cash flows, which forms the basis of the Group’s value in use calculations 
used in the impairment model and the going concern assessment.  
This  was  amplified  due  to  the  economic  and  other  effects  of  the 
COVID-19 pandemic including uncertainty around the duration of the 
pandemic and timing of the recovery of the various world economies. 
The recent volatility in diamond prices, exchange rates and discount 
rates  resulted  in  additional  audit  work  in  assessing  the  Group’s 
impairment model and ability to continue as a going concern.

As disclosed in Note 12 Impairment testing and Note 1.2.2 Going 
Concern,  the  Group  uses  discounted  and  undiscounted  cash 
flows to determine the value in use for each cash generating unit 
and also Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, on the 
basis of the following key assumptions:

•  Diamond prices;
Inflation rates;
• 
• 
Production costs and volumes;
•  Capital expenditure;
• 
•  Discount rates; and
Exchange rates
• 

Renewal of borrowing facilities;

Given  the  above  factors,  the  goodwill  impairment  and  the 
assessment of cash flows in the going concern model, particularly 
in  the  diamond  mining  industry,  required  significant  audit 
attention  in  the  current  year  through  extended  sensitivity  and 
stress  testings  with  different  scenarios  including  the  use  of  our 
valuation experts.

How the matter was addressed in the audit
Our audit procedures included amongst others the following:

•  We involved the EY internal valuation specialists as part of 

our team to assist in evaluating management’s impairment 
methodology and key assumptions used in the impairment 
calculations;

•  Our valuation specialists calculated an independent 

weighted average cost of capital (WACC) to compare to 
management’s WACC’s. Our independent WACC 
recalculation was based on publicly available market data for 
comparable companies for the Letšeng Cash Generating 
Unit (CGU);

•  Our valuation specialists calculated an independent net 
present value (NPV) to compare to management’s NPV;

•  Our valuation specialists assessed the reasonability of the 

significant inputs and assumptions used in the impairment 
and going concern models, such as diamond prices, 
exchange rates, inflation rates, by comparing them to 
independent sources;

•  We have performed sensitivity analyses around the key 

assumptions used in the impairment and going concern 
models. We did this by increasing and decreasing the 
following assumptions in the model to determine the 
impact on the headroom between the value of the recorded 
assets of the CGU and the value in use as calculated and the 
ability to continue as a going concern.  These included:

o  Exchange rates

o  Diamond prices

o  Carats sold

•  We have compared FY2020 budgeted results utilised, against 
latest actual results available to understand management’s 
ability to accurately estimate future cash flows;

•  We evaluated the progress on the renewal of the borrowing 
facilities through inquiry and inspection of communications 
with lenders;

•  We assessed the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures in 

terms of IAS 36 and IAS 1 in terms of the Going Concern, in 
the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Other Information
Management  is  responsible  for  the  other  information. The  other 
information comprises the information included in the 185-page 
document  titled  “Gem  Diamonds  Limited  Annual  report  and 
accounts  2020”.  The  other  information  does  not  include  the 
consolidated financial statements and our auditor’s reports thereon.

Our  opinion  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  does  not 
cover  the  other  information  and  we  do  not  express  any  form  of 
assurance conclusion thereon.

In  connection  with  our  audit  of  the  consolidated  financial 
statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, 
in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent  with  the  consolidated  financial  statements  or  our 
knowledge  obtained  in  the  audit  or  otherwise  appears  to  be 
materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we 
conclude  that  there  is  a  material  misstatement  of  this  other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to 
report in this regard.

Responsibilities of Management for the 
Consolidated Financial Statements
fair 
for  the  preparation  and 
is  responsible 
Management 
in 
presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements 
accordance  with 
internal  control  as 
IFRSs,  and  for  such 
management determines is necessary to enable the preparation 
of consolidated financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management 
is  responsible  for  assessing  the  Group’s  ability  to  continue  as  a 
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless 
management  either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease 
operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level 
of  assurance,  but  is  not  a  guarantee  that  an  audit  conducted  in 
accordance  with  ISAs  will  always  detect  a  material  misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered  material  if,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  they  could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional 
judgment  and  maintain  professional  skepticism  throughout  the 
audit. We also:

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or 
error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to 
those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of 
not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud 
is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may 
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 
misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the 

audit in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose 
of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the 
Group’s internal control. 

• 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used 
and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and 
related disclosures made by management. 

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of 
the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the 
audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty 
exists related to events or conditions that may cast 
significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a 

going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty 
exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s 
report to the related disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, 
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the 
audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s 
report. However, future events or conditions may cause the 
Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

• 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of 
the consolidated financial statements, including the 
disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial 
statements represent the underlying transactions and 
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the 
financial information of the entities or business activities 
within the group to express an opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for 
the direction, supervision and performance of the group 
audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We  communicate  with  those  charged  with  governance 
regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing 
of  the  audit  and  significant  audit  findings,  including  any 
significant  deficiencies  in  internal  control  that  we  identity 
during our audit.

We  also  provide  those  charged  with  governance  with  a 
statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant  ethical 
requirements  regarding  independence,  and  to  communicate 
with  them  all  relationships  and  other  matters  that  may 
reasonably  be  thought  to  bear  on  our  independence,  and 
where  applicable,  actions  taken  to  eliminate  threats  or 
safeguards applied.

From  the  matters  communicated  with  those  charged  with 
governance,  we  determine  those  matters  that  were  of  most 
significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements 
of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We 
describe  these  matters  in  our  auditor’s  report  unless  law  or 
regulation  precludes  public  disclosure  about  the  matter  or 
when,  in  extremely  rare  circumstances,  we  determine  that  a 
matter should not be communicated in our report because the 
adverse  consequences  of  doing  so  would  reasonably  be 
expected  to  outweigh  the  public  interest  benefits  of  such 
communication.

Ernst & Young Inc.
Director  – Philippus Dawid Grobbelaar
Registered Auditor
Chartered Accountant (SA)

10 March 2021

102 Rivonia Road, Sandton, Private Bag X14, Sandton, 2146

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020118

119

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Notes

2020
US$’000

2019
US$’000

Notes

2020
US$’000

2019
US$’000

CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Revenue from contracts with customers
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other operating (expense)/income
Royalties and selling costs
Corporate expenses
Share-based payments
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain
Reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve

Operating profit
Net finance costs

– Finance income
– Finance costs

Profit before tax for the year from continuing operations

Income tax expense

Profit after tax for the year from continuing operations

DISCONTINUED OPERATION
Loss after tax from discontinued operation

Profit for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of parent
Non-controlling interests

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income that will be reclassified to the Consolidated Statement 
of Profit or Loss in subsequent periods
Reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve, net of tax
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations, net of tax

5

Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests

24 278

10 576

–
(14 049)

(14 049)

(4)
4 512

4 508

10 229

15 084

3 779
6 450

1 763
13 321

 2

3

28
4
5

4
6

189 647
(113 802)

182 047
(129 482)

75 845
(3 911)
(19 843)
(7 992)
(555)
(880)
–

42 664
(4 411)

382
(4 793)

38 253

52 565
845
(16 904)
(9 418)
(784)
3 550
4

29 858
(5 808)

668
(6 476)

24 050

(9 020)

15 030

7

(10 711)

27 542

16

(3 264)

(4 454)

24 278

10 576

Earnings per share (cents)
– Basic earnings for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent
– Diluted earnings for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent
Earnings per share (cents) for continuing operations
– Basic earnings for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent
– Diluted earnings for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent

8

13 641
10 637

2 617
7 959

9.8
9.6

12.1
11.9

1.9
1.8

5.1
5.0

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020120

121

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use asset
Intangible assets
Receivables and other assets
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Inventories
Receivables and other assets
Income tax receivable
Cash and short-term deposits

Assets held for sale

Total assets

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Issued capital
Share premium
Other reserves
Accumulated losses

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable

Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Approved by the Board of Directors on 10 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

C Elphick 
Director 

M Michael
Director

Notes

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

9
10
11
13
23

14
13
21
15

16

17

17

18
19
20
22
23

18
19
20
21

16

304 005
4 823
12 997
153
6 346

328 324

26 741
5 686
106
49 820

82 353

3 528

323 853
8 454
13 653
–
7 871

353 831

32 517
6 337
8 189
11 303

58 346

3 943

414 205

416 120

1 397
885 648
(212 164)
(511 808)

163 073

84 422

247 495

1 702
4 902
2 029
12 331
84 538

1 391
885 648
(202 857)
(525 449)

158 733

85 424

244 157

6 009
8 539
1 936
15 588
90 995

105 502

123 067

14 385
1 836
28 823
11 940

56 984

4 224

166 710 

414 205

16 332
1 940
26 390
13

44 675

4 221

171 963

416 120

Attributable to the equity holders of the parent

Accumu-
lated 
(losses)/

Issued 
capital 
US$’000

Share 
premium
US$’000

Other 
reserves1 
US$’000

retained
earnings
US$’000

Total 
US$’000

Non-
controlling
 interests
US$’000

Total 
equity 
US$’000

Balance at 1 January 2020

1 391

885 648

(202 857)

(525 449)

158 733

85 424

244 157

Total comprehensive (loss)/
income

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive loss

Share capital issued (Note 17)
Share-based payments (Note 28)
Dividends declared

–

–
–

6
–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

(9 862)

13 641

3 779

6 450

10 229

–
(9 862)

13 641
–

13 641
(9 862)

(6)
561
–

–
–
–

–
561
–

10 637
(4 187)

–
–
(7 452)

24 278
(14 049)

–
561
(7 452)

Balance at 31 December 2020

1 397

885 648

(212 164)

(511 808)

163 073

84 422

247 495

Attributable to discontinued 
operation (Note 16)

–

–

(53 046)

(192 252)

(245 298)

–

(245 298)

Balance at 1 January 2019

1 390

885 648

(152 029)

(578 834)

156 175

72 103

228 278

Total comprehensive income (loss)/
income

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income (loss)/
income

Share capital issued (Note 17)
Transfer between reserves2
Share-based payments (Note 28)

–

–

–

1
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

(854)

–

(854)

2 617

2 617

1 763

2 617

13 321

7 959

15 084

10 576

–

(854)

5 362

4 508

–
(50 768)
794

–
50 768
–

1
–
794

–
–
–

1
–
794

Balance at 31 December 2019

1 391

885 648

(202 857)

(525 449)

158 733

85 424

244 157

Attributable to discontinued 
operation (Note 16)

–

–

(51 916)

(190 107)

(242 023)

–

(242 023)

1  Other reserves relate to Foreign currency translation reserves and Share based equity reserves. Refer Note 17, Issued capital and reserves for further detail.

2 

In 2019 the Company elected to release share-based equity reserve relating to lapsed and exercised options to accumulated (losses)/retained earnings.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020122

123

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated by operations
Working capital adjustments
Interest received
Interest paid
Income tax received/(paid)

Cash flows used in investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Waste stripping costs capitalised
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Cash flows from financing activities

Lease liabilities repaid
Net financial liabilities repaid

Financial liabilities repaid
Financial liabilities raised

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Foreign exchange differences

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year – continuing operation

Cash and cash equivalents held at banks
Restricted cash

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year – discontinued operation

Cash and cash equivalents held at banks
Restricted cash

Notes

24.1
24.2

21

9
9

19
24.3

15

16

2020 
US$’000

96 227

93 050
464
382
(3 558)
5 889

2019 
US$’000

55 490

81 644
(2 854)
668
(5 181)
(18 787)

(48 718)

(80 769)

(1 571)
(47 167)
20

(9 671)
(73 175)
2 077

(12 995)

(14 076)

(1 906)
(6 431)

(55 638)
49 207

(4 658)

34 514
11 443
3 870

49 827

49 820

49 820
–

7

7
–

(1 901)
(12 175)

(47 056)
34 881

–

(39 355)
50 812
(24)

11 443

11 303

11 188
115

140

83
57

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. 
1.1   Corporate information
1.1.1  

Incorporation
The holding company, Gem Diamonds Limited (the Company), was incorporated on 29 July 2005 in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) 
and is domiciled in the United Kingdom (UK). The Company’s registration number is 669758.

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board on 10 March 2021.

The Group is principally engaged in operating diamond mines.

1.1.2   Operational information

The Company has the following investments directly and indirectly in subsidiaries at 31 December 2020:

Share-
holding

Cost of 
investment¹

Country of 
incorporation

Nature of business

100%

US$17

RSA

Technical, financial and management 
consulting services.

100%

US$52 277

BVI

Dormant holding investment company 
in process of being voluntarily 
liquidated.

70%

US$126 000 303

Lesotho

100%

US$5 844 579

Botswana

Diamond mining and holder of mining 
rights. Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary) 
Limited holds 100% of the A class shares 
and 70% of the B class shares in Letšeng 
Diamonds Manufacturing (Proprietary) 
Limited, which is a dormant company 
established in Lesotho to operate the 
in-country diamond cutting and 
polishing.
Diamond mining; evaluation and 
development; and holder of mining 
licences and concessions4.

Name and registered 
address of company
Subsidiaries
Gem Diamond Technical 
Services (Proprietary) 
Limited2
Illovo Corner
24 Fricker Road
Illovo Boulevard
Johannesburg
South Africa
Gem Equity Group Limited3
2nd Floor, Coastal Building
Wickhams Cay II
PO Box 2221
Roadtown
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Letšeng Diamonds 
(Proprietary) Limited2
Letšeng Diamonds House
Corner Kingsway and Old 
School Roads
Maseru
Lesotho

Gem Diamonds Botswana
(Proprietary) Limited2,4
Suite 103, GIA Centre
Diamond Technology Park
Plot 67782, Block 8
Gaborone
Botswana

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125

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

1. 
1.1   Corporate information (continued)
1.1.2   Operational information (continued)
Share-
holding

Name and registered 
address of company
Subsidiaries
Gem Diamonds
Investments Limited2
Suite 1, 3rd Floor,
11-12 St. James Square, 
London
SW1Y 4LB United Kingdom

Cost of 
investment¹

Country of 
incorporation

Nature of business

100%

US$17 531 316

UK

Investment holding company holding 
100% in each of Calibrated Diamonds 
Investment Holdings (Proprietary) 
Limited; Gem Diamonds Innovation 
Solutions CY Limited; Baobab 
Technologies BVBA; and Gem Diamonds 
Marketing Services BVBA, a marketing 
company that sells the Group’s 
diamonds on tender in Antwerp.

1  The cost of investment represents original cost of investments at acquisition dates.
2  No change in the shareholding since the prior year.
3 

 During the year Gem Equity Group (GEG) sold its investments, 2% in Gem Diamonds Marketing Services BVBA and 1% in Baobab Technologies investments, to Gem 
Diamonds Investments Limited. Following the sale of GEG’s investments the GEG Board of Directors resolved to voluntarily liquidate GEG. As the operation is being closed 
and not sold the closure has been classified as an abandonment by the Company.
 The Ghaghoo Diamond Mine, which is in the process of being sold, has been classified as a discontinued operation held for sale since 30 June 2019 and disclosed 
separately (refer Note 16, Asset held for sale).

4 

1.1.3  Segment information

For management purposes, the Group is organised into geographical units as its risks and required rates of return are affected 
predominantly by differences in the geographical regions of the mines and areas in which the Group operates or areas in which 
operations are managed. The below measures of profit or loss, assets and liabilities are reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision-
Maker, ie Board of Directors. The main geographical regions and the type of products and services from which each reporting 
segment derives its revenue from are:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Lesotho (diamond mining activities);

Belgium (sales, marketing and manufacturing of diamonds); 

BVI, RSA, UK and Cyprus (technical and administrative services); and

Botswana (diamond mining activities), classified as discontinued operation held for sale since 30 June 2019.

Management monitors the operating results of the geographical units separately for the purpose of making decisions about 
resource allocation and performance assessment.

Gem Diamonds Botswana (Ghaghoo Diamond Mine), which during the prior year was classified as a discontinued operation 
held for sale and separately disclosed, continues to be classified as such as management remain committed to the sales process. 
Refer Note 16, Asset held for sale. 

During  the  year  GEG,  a  dormant  investment  company,  was  abandoned.  Following  the  sale  of  its  investments  the  Board  of 
Directors of GEG resolved to voluntarily liquidate the operation. This process is expected to be concluded subsequent to year 
end 31 December 2020. GEG is classified as part of the BVI, RSA, UK and Cyprus segment.

Segment performance is evaluated based on operating profit or loss. Intersegment transactions are entered into under normal 
arm’s length terms in a manner similar to transactions with third parties. Segment revenue, segment expenses and segment 
results include transactions between segments. Those transactions are eliminated on consolidation.

Segment revenue is derived from mining activities, polished manufacturing margins, and Group services.

The following tables presents revenue from contracts with customers, profit/(loss) for the year, EBITDA and asset and liability 
information from operations regarding the Group’s geographical segments:

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

1. 
1.1   Corporate information (continued)
1.1.3  Segment information (continued)

Lesotho
 US$’000

Belgium
 US$’000

BVI, RSA
UK and 
Cyprus1
US$’000

Total
 Continuing
 operations
US$’000

Discontinued 
operation
US$’000

Year ended 31 December 2020

Revenue from contracts with 
customers
Total revenue
Intersegment

External customers
Depreciation and amortisation

–  Depreciation and mining asset 

amortisation

– Waste stripping cost amortisation

Share-based equity transactions

Segment operating profit/(loss)
Net finance costs

Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax (expense)/income

Profit/(loss) for the year

EBITDA

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Other segment information
Net cash and short-term deposits2
Capital expenditure
– Property, plant and equipment
– Net movement in rehabilitation asset3
– Waste cost capitalised

Total capital expenditure

Average number of employees 
employed under contracts of 
service

1  No revenue was generated in BVI and Cyprus.

Total
US$’000

382 623
(192 976)

189 647
52 490

9 070

43 420

561

39 602
(4 613)

34 989
(10 711)

24 278

5 997
(5 997)

382 623
(192 976)

–
1 463

1 463

–

392

(7 751)
(1 663)

(9 414)
258

(9 156)

189 647
52 490

9 070

43 420

555

42 664
(4 411)

38 253
(10 711)

27 542

–
–

–
–

–

–

6

(3 062)
(202)

(3 264)
–

(3 264)

186 801
(186 183)

618
50 636

7 216

43 420

157

49 061
(2 742)

46 319
(10 790)

35 529

59 038

396 040

63 733

189 825
(796)

189 029
391

391

–

6

1 354
(6)

1 348
(179)

1 169

1 748

1 694

(7 588)

53 198

(2 943)

50 255

6 597

404 331

496

13 719

77 948

40 311

877

(6 565)

34 623

1 535
(3 125)
47 167

45 577

323

7
–
–

7

6

29
–
–

29

21

1 571
(3 125)
47 167

45 613

3 528

4 224

407 859

82 172

7

–
–
–

–

34 630

1 571
(3 125)
47 167

45 613

350

31

381

2 

 Calculated as cash and short-term deposits less drawndown bank facilities (excluding the asset-based finance facility, insurance premium financing and rolling fees 
capitalised to the Company’s $30.0 million bank loan facility. Refer Note 18, Interest bearing loans and borrowings).

3  Non-cash movements in rehabilitation assets relating to changes in rehabilitation estimates for the Lesotho segment.

Included in revenue for the current year is revenue from six customers which amounted to US$66.9 million arising from sales 
reported in the Belgium segments.

Segment assets and liabilities do not include deferred tax assets and liabilities of US$6.3 million and US$84.5 million respectively.

Total revenue for the year is higher than that of the prior year mainly due to higher sales prices achieved of US$1 908 (2019: 
US$1 637). 

During the year, COVID-19 had the following impact on revenue:

• 

• 

Production volumes were negatively impacted as a result of Letšeng’s production ceasing on 28 March – 26 April 2020, in 
line with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions instituted by the Government of Lesotho.

Six sales tenders were held compared to eight sales tenders during the prior year.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020126

127

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

1. 
1.1   Corporate information (continued)
1.1.3  Segment information (continued)

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies

1. 
1.2 
1.2.1   Basis of preparation

Lesotho
US$’000

Belgium
US$’000

BVI, RSA
UK and 
Cyprus1
US$’000

Total
Continuing
operations
US$’000

Discontinued 
operation2
US$’000

Total
US$’000

370 541
(188 494)

182 047
 58 206

15 077
43 129

794

25 584
(5 988)

19 596
(9 020)

–
–

–
–

–
–

10

(4 274)
(180)

(4 454)
–

8 440
(8 440)

370 541
(188 494)

–
539

539
–

514

(9 529)
(1 754)

(11 283)
(641)

182 047
58 206

15 077
43 129

784

29 858
(5 808)

24 050
(9 020)

15 030

179 313
(179 313)

–
57 293

182 788
(741)

182 047
374

14 164
43 129

264 

38 524
(3 792)

34 732
(8 228)

49 014

393 107

59 854

374
–

6

863
(262)

601
(151)

1 206

2 477

(4 454)

10 576

(9 221)

(40 999)

(4 389)

36 610

8 722

404 306

600

16 293

76 747

3 943

4 221

408 249

80 968

(2 964)

1 505

(8 881)

(10 340)

140

(10 200)

8 166
157
73 175

81 498

324
–
–

324

1 196
–
–

1 196

9 843
157
73 175

83 018

–
–
–

–

9 843
157
73 175

83 018

Year ended 31 December 2019

Revenue from contracts with 
customers
Total revenue
Intersegment

External customers
Depreciation and amortisation

–  Depreciation and mining asset 

amortisation

– Waste stripping cost amortisation

Share-based equity transactions

Segment operating profit/(loss)
Net finance costs

Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax expense

Profit/(loss) for the year

EBITDA

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Other segment information
Net cash and short-term deposits3
Capital expenditure
– Property, plant and equipment
– Net movement in rehabilitation4
– Waste cost capitalised

Total capital expenditure

Average number of employees 
employed under contracts of 
service

1  No revenue was generated in BVI and Cyprus.

2 

3 

 The results of Gem Diamonds Botswana, which has been classified as a discontinued operation held for sale and which was previously included in the Botswana 
segment, has been reclassified to the discontinued operation segment.

 Calculated as cash and short-term deposits less drawndown bank facilities (excluding the asset-based finance facility. Refer Note 18, Interest bearing loans and 
borrowings).

4  Non-cash movements in rehabilitation assets relating to changes in rehabilitation estimates for the Lesotho segment.

Included in annual revenue for the 2019 year is revenue from one customer which amounted to US$21.1 million arising from 
sales reported in the Belgium segments.

Segment assets and liabilities do not include deferred tax assets and liabilities of US$7.9 million and US$91.0 million respectively.

The financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). These financial statements have been prepared under the 
historical cost basis except for assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The accounting policies have been consistently applied 
except for the adoption of the new standards and interpretations detailed on the following pages.

The functional currency of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries is US dollar, which is the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entities operate. All amounts are presented in US dollar and rounded to the nearest thousand. The 
financial results of subsidiaries whose functional and reporting currency is in currencies other than US dollar have been converted 
into US dollar on the basis as set out in Note 1.2.16, Foreign currency translations.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also 
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involving 
a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, 
are disclosed in Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates and judgements.

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
New and amended standards and interpretations
The Group adopted certain standards and amendments for the first time, which are effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2020 and are listed in the table. The adoption of these new accounting pronouncements has not had a significant 
impact  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Group  nor  the  accounting  policies,  methods  of  computation  or 
presentation applied by the Group.

Amendments and New Standards

Description

The Conceptual
Framework for Financial Reporting

Amendments to IFRS 3

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8

Revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting

Definition of a business

Definition of material

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7

Interest rate benchmark reform – Phase 1

Amendments to IFRS 16

COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions

Amendment to IFRS 16 – COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions
The  amendment  to  IFRS  16,  COVID-19  Related  Rent  Concessions,  which  is  effective  for  annual  financial  reporting  periods 
beginning on or after 1 June 2020  has been early adopted by the Group during the current financial reporting period. 

The amendment in the form of a practical expedient, provides optional relief to lessees on the treatment of rent concessions 
occurring as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expedient allows lessees to account for such rent concessions as if they were not lease modifications if all of the following 
conditions are met:

consideration for the lease immediately preceding the change;

(b)  any reduction in lease payments affects only payments originally due on or before 30 June 2021; and

(c)  there is no substantive change to other terms and conditions of the lease.

The practical expedient was applied to all leases where there was a change in lease payments granted by lessors as a direct 
consequence of COVID-19 related rental concessions. For leases where concessions have been given in the form of forgiveness, 
the Group included the forgiveness as negative variable lease payments in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. For 
leases  where  concessions  have  been  given  in  the  form  of  payment  deferrals,  the  Group  continued  to  account  for  the  lease 
liability  and  right-of-use  asset  using  the  rights  and  obligations  of  the  existing  lease,  with  a  separate  lease  payable  being 
recognised for the payment deferred in the period when the allocated lease cash payment is due. This adoption did not have a 
material impact on the Group. Refer Note 10, Right-of-use assets and Note 19, Lease liabilities.

362

6

24

392

33

425

(a)  the change in lease payments results in revised consideration for the lease that is substantially the same as, or less than, the 

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
128

129

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.1   Basis of preparation (continued)

New standards issued but not yet effective
The new standards, amendments and improvements that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements are listed in the table below. These standards, amendments and improvements have not been 
early adopted and it is expected that, where applicable, these standards, amendments and improvements will be adopted on each 
respective effective date. The impact of the adoption of these standards cannot be reasonably assessed at this stage.

New standards, 
amendments, and 
improvements

IFRS 17

Description

Insurance contracts

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, 
IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2

Amendments to IAS 37

Onerous contracts – cost of fulfilling a contract

Amendments to IFRS 3

Reference to the Conceptual Framework

Effective date*

1 January 2023

1 January 2021

1 January 2022

1 January 2022

Amendments to IAS 16

Property, plant and equipment proceeds before intended use

1 January 2022

Amendments to IAS 1

Classification of liabilities as current or non-current

1 January 2023

Amendments to IFRS 10 and 
IAS 28

Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or 
Joint Venture

Pending

Improvement IFRS 1

Subsidiary as a first-time adopter

1 January 2022

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.2  Going concern

The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position 
have been assessed by management. The financial position of the Company, its cash flows and liquidity position are presented 
in the Annual Report and Accounts. In addition, Note 27, Financial risk management, includes the Company’s objectives, policies 
and  processes  for  managing  its  capital;  its  financial  risk  management  objectives;  details  of  its  financial  instruments;  and  its 
exposures to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Group’s net cash at 31 December 2020 was US$34.6 million (31 December 2019: net debt US$10.2 million) and with its 
undrawn facilities of US$60.8 million, its liquidity (defined as net cash and undrawn facilities) of US$95.4 million remains strong. 
However,  the  Group’s  Revolving  Credit  facilities,  which  total  US$70.8  million  when  fully  unutilised,  mature  within  the  next 
12  months,  with  US$34.0  million  maturing  in  July  2021,  US$30.0  million  expiring  on  31  December  2021  and  the  balance  of 
US$6.8 million being a general banking facility with no set expiry date (Refer Note 18, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings). 
Management have commenced discussions with lenders to restructure and extend the maturity dates of these facilities and are 
confident  that  the  facilities  will  be  restructured  as  per  previous  successful  renewals. The  uncertainty  that  exists  around  the 
ongoing impact of COVID-19 on future cashflows was considered by performing sensitivities on diamond pricing and diamond 
production volumes and continued strengthening of the US$ against the Lesotho Loti.

After making enquiries which include reviews of forecasts and budgets, timing of cash flows, borrowing facilities and sensitivity 
analyses and considering the uncertainties described in this report either directly or by cross-reference, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group and the Company have adequate financial resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual Report and 
Accounts of the Company.

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the Group will be able to meet its 
liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future.

Improvement IFRS 9

Fees in the ’10 per cent’ test for derecognition of financial liabilities

1 January 2022

1.2.3  Basis of consolidation

Improvement IAS 41

Agriculture – Taxation in fair value measurements

1 January 2022

*  Annual periods beginning on or after

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2
The amendment addresses issues that might affect financial reporting when an existing interest rate benchmark is replaced 
with an alternative benchmark interest rate.

The  Group  and  its  funders  have  commenced  a  comprehensive  debt  refinancing  programme  of  the  Group’s  facilities.  The 
refinancing programme incorporates the consideration of any risk posed to the Group by phase two of the IBOR reform, which 
is effective from 1 January 2021. The IBOR reform may potentially have an impact on the JIBAR and LIBOR linked interest-bearing 
loans  and  borrowings,  which  includes  the  LSL215.0  million  unsecured  project  debt  facility  between  Letšeng  Diamonds  and 
Nedbank Limited and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) and the US$30.0 million revolving credit facility between 
Gem  Diamonds  Limited  and  Nedbank  Capital.  Refer  Note  18,  Interest-bearing  loans  and  borrowings  for  more  information 
regarding the maturities and the related benchmark rates subject to the IBOR reform on these loans. The Group will continue to 
assess the impact of these amendments on the Group’s Consolidated Annual Financial Statements until initial application. 

Business environment and country risk
The Group’s operations are subject to country risk being the economic, political and social risks inherent in doing business in 
certain areas of Africa and Europe. These risks include matters arising out of the policies of the government, economic conditions, 
imposition of or changes to taxes and regulations, foreign exchange rate fluctuations and the enforceability of contract rights.

The consolidated financial information reflects management’s assessment of the impact of these business environments and 
country  risks  on  the  operations  and  the  financial  position  of  the  Group.  The  future  business  environment  may  differ  from 
management’s assessment.

The  consolidated  financial  statements  incorporate  the  financial  statements  of  the  Company  and  entities  controlled  by  the 
Company as at 31 December 2020.

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue 
to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. An investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to 
variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the 
investee. To meet the definition of control in IFRS 10, all three of the following criteria must be met: (a) an investor has power over 
an investee; (b) the investor has exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and (c) the investor 
has  the  ability  to  use  its  power  over  the  investee  to  affect  the  amount  of  the  investor’s  returns. The  financial  statements  of 
subsidiaries used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are prepared for the same reporting year as the 
parent company and are based on consistent accounting policies. All intragroup balances and transactions, including unrealised 
gains and losses arising from them, are eliminated in full.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the parent company and 
is presented separately within equity in the consolidated statement of financial position, separately from equity attributable to 
owners of the parent. Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interest even if that results in a deficit 
balance.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
130

131

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.4  Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for mineral resources, the determination of technical feasibility and the 
assessment of commercial viability of an identified resource. Exploration and evaluation activity includes:

• 

• 

acquisition of rights to explore;

researching and analysing historical exploration data;

•  gathering exploration data through topographical, geochemical and geophysical studies;

• 

exploratory drilling, trenching and sampling;

•  determining and examining the volume and grade of the resource;

• 

• 

surveying transportation and infrastructure requirements; and

conducting market and finance studies.

Administration costs that are not directly attributable to a specific exploration area are charged to the statement of profit or loss. 
Licence  costs  paid  in  connection  with  a  right  to  explore  in  an  existing  exploration  area  are  capitalised,  as  a  component  of 
property, plant and equipment, and amortised over the term of the permit.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure is capitalised as incurred. Capitalised exploration expenditure is recorded as a component 
of property, plant and equipment, as an exploration and development asset, at cost less accumulated impairment charges. As 
the asset is not available for use, it is not depreciated.

All capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is monitored for indications of impairment. Where a potential impairment 
is indicated, assessments are performed for each area of interest in conjunction with the group of operating assets (representing 
a cash-generating unit (CGU)) to which the exploration is attributed. To the extent that exploration expenditure is not expected 
to be recovered, it is charged to the statement of profit or loss. Exploration areas where reserves have been discovered, but 
require major capital expenditure before production can begin, are continually evaluated to ensure that commercial quantities 
of reserves exist or to ensure that additional exploration work is under way as planned.

Management is required to make certain estimates and judgements when determining whether the commercial viability of an 
identified resource has been met and when determining whether indicators of impairment exist as referred under Note 1.2.28, 
Critical accounting estimates and judgements.

1.2.5  Development expenditure

When proved reserves are determined and development is sanctioned, capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is 
reclassified from exploration phase to development phase. As the asset is not available for use, during the development phase, 
it is not depreciated. On completion of the development phase, any capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure already 
capitalised to a development asset, together with the  subsequent development  expenditure,  is  reclassified  within property, 
plant and equipment to mining assets and depreciated on the basis as laid out in Note 9, Property, plant and equipment.

All  development  expenditure  is  monitored  for  indicators  of  impairment  annually.  Management  is  required  to  make  certain 
estimates  and  judgements  when  determining  whether  indicators  of  impairment  exist  as  referred  under  Note  1.2.28,  Critical 
accounting estimates and judgements.

1.2.6  Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost 
includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition and construction of the items, to get the asset in its condition 
and  location  for  its  intended  use  among  others,  professional  fees,  and  for  qualifying  assets,  borrowing  costs  capitalised  in 
accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.

Subsequent  costs  to  replace  a  component  of  an  item  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  that  is  accounted  for  separately,  is 
capitalised when the cost of the item can be measured reliably, with the carrying amount of the original component being 
written off. All repairs and maintenance are charged to the statement of profit or loss during the financial period in which they 
are incurred.

Depreciation commences when an asset is available for use. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the depreciable amount 
of the asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life, using a method that reflects the pattern in which the asset’s future 
economic benefits are expected to be consumed by the Group.

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.6  Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Item

Mining assets

Decommissioning assets

Leasehold improvements

Plant and equipment

Other assets

Method

Straight line

Straight line

Straight line

Straight line

Straight line

Useful life1

Lesser of life of mine or period of mining lease

Lesser of life of mine or period of mining lease

Three years; or lesser of life of mine or period of mining lease

Three to 15 years

Two to eight years

1 

 Certain asset classes are depreciated over the lesser of life of mine, or period of mining lease. Prior to 1 January 2020, the period of mining lease was shorter than the life of 
mine. On 1 January 2020 a reassessment of assets’ useful lives was performed at Letšeng which resulted in a revision of assets’ useful lives being made from a remaining 
useful life of five years (original period of mining lease) to 15 years (life of mine) due to the extension of the Letšeng mining lease. Furthermore, the useful life of plant and 
equipment was reassessed from a useful life of 10 years to the remaining life of mine (15 years); and the useful life of vehicles, categorised within the “Other assets 
category”, were reassessed from five years to eight years.

An item of property, plant and equipment and any significant part initially recognised is derecognised upon disposal (i.e., at the 
date the recipient obtains control) or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. Any gain or loss 
arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount 
of the asset) is included in the statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.

The asset’s residual values, useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed annually. Changes in the expected residual 
values, expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are 
considered to modify the depreciation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates, 
and adjusted for prospectively, if appropriate.

Pre-production and in production stripping costs
Costs associated with removal of waste overburden are classified as stripping costs.

Stripping activities that are undertaken during the production phase of a surface mine may create two benefits, being either the 
production of inventory or improved access to the ore to be mined in the future. Where the benefits are realised in the form of 
inventory  produced  in  the  period,  the  production  stripping  costs  are  accounted  for  as  part  of  the  cost  of  producing  those 
inventories.  Where  production  stripping  costs  are  incurred  and  where  the  benefit  is  the  creation  of  mining  flexibility  and 
improved access to ore to be mined in the future, the costs are recognised as a non-current asset if:

(a)  future economic benefits (being improved access to the orebody) are probable;

(b)  the component of the orebody for which access will be improved can be accurately identified; and

(c)  the costs associated with the improved access can be reliably measured.

The non-current asset recognised is referred to as a ‘stripping activity asset’ and is separately disclosed in Note 9, Property, plant and 
equipment. If all the criteria are not met, the production stripping costs are charged to the statement of profit or loss as operating 
costs. The stripping activity asset is initially measured at cost, which is the accumulation of costs directly incurred to perform the 
stripping activity that improves access to the identified component of ore, plus an allocation of directly attributable overhead costs.

If  incidental  operations  are  occurring  at  the  same  time  as  the  production  stripping  activity,  but  are  not  necessary  for  the 
production stripping activity to continue as planned, these costs are not included in the cost of the stripping activity asset. If the 
costs of the stripping activity asset and the inventory produced are not separately identifiable, a relevant production measure is 
used to allocate the production stripping costs between the inventory produced and the stripping activity asset.

The stripping activity asset is subsequently amortised over the expected useful life of the identified component of the orebody that 
became more accessible as a result of the stripping activity. Based on proven and probable reserves, the expected average stripping 
ratio over the average life of the area being mined is used to amortise the stripping activity asset. As a result, the stripping activity 
asset is carried at cost less amortisation and any impairment losses. The average life of area cost per tonne is calculated as the total 
expected costs to be incurred to mine the orebody divided by the number of tonnes expected to be mined. The average life of area 
stripping ratio and the average life of area cost per tonne are recalculated annually in light of additional knowledge and changes in 
estimates. Changes in the stripping ratio are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate.

Management  applies  judgement  to  calculate  and  allocate  the  production  stripping  costs  to  inventory  and/or  the  stripping 
activity asset(s) as referred under Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates and judgements.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
132

133

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.7  Borrowing costs

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.9  Goodwill (continued)

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset that necessarily takes a 
substantial  period  of  time  to  get  ready  for  its  intended  use  or  sale  are  capitalised  as  part  of  the  cost  of  the  asset.  All  other 
borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an 
entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.

Where goodwill forms part of a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the 
operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the 
operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured based on the relative values of the operation disposed of and 
the portion of the CGU retained.

1.2.8   Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations

1.2.10  Financial instruments

The Group classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally 
through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Such non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held 
for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs to sell are the incremental costs 
directly attributable to the sale, excluding the finance costs and income tax expense.

The criteria for held-for-sale classification is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable, and the asset or disposal 
group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete the sale should indicate that it is 
unlikely that significant changes to the sale will be made or that it will be withdrawn. Management must be committed to the 
sale expected within one year from the date of the classification.

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortised once classified as held for sale.

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately as current items in the statement of financial position.

A disposal group qualifies as a discontinued operation if it is a component of an entity that either has been disposed of, or is 
classified as held for sale, and:

(a)  represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations;

(b)  is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or

(c)  is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to re-sale.

Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as profit 
or loss after tax from discontinued operations in the statement of profit or loss.

Additional disclosures are provided in Note 16, Assets held for sale. All other notes to the financial statements include amounts 
for continuing operations, unless indicated otherwise.

1.2.9  Goodwill

Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the acquisition date fair value of the consideration 
transferred and the amount recognised for the non-controlling interest (and where the business combination is achieved in 
stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree) over the fair value of the 
net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the business combination.

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in transactions separate to the business combinations, such as the settlement of pre-
existing  relationships  or  post-acquisition  remuneration  arrangements,  are  accounted  for  separately  from  the  business 
combination in accordance with their nature and applicable IFRS.

Identifiable  intangible  assets,  meeting  either  the  contractual  legal  or  separability  criterion  are  recognised  separately  from 
goodwill. Contingent liabilities representing a present obligation are recognised if the acquisition date fair value can be measured 
reliably.

If  the  aggregate  of  the  acquisition  date  fair  value  of  the  consideration  transferred  and  the  amount  recognised  for  the  non-
controlling interest (and where the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s 
previously held equity interest in the acquiree) is lower than the fair value of the net identifiable amounts of the assets acquired 
and the liabilities assumed in the business combination, the difference is recognised in profit and loss.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment 
testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s CGUs (or 
groups of CGUs) that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the 
acquiree are assigned to those units. Each unit or group of units to which goodwill is allocated shall represent the lowest level 
within the entity at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes, and shall not be larger than an operating 
segment before aggregation.

The Group shall only recognise a financial instrument when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
instrument. A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity 
instrument of another entity. 

Financial assets 
Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition and re-evaluates this designation at every 
reporting date based on the business model for managing these financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics. 
Currently the Group only has financial assets at amortised cost which consist of receivables and other assets, and cash and short-
term deposits which is held within a business model to collect contractual cash flows and for which the contractual cash flow 
characteristics are solely payments of principal interest. When financial assets are recognised initially, they are measured at fair 
value plus (in the case of financial assets not at fair value through profit or loss) directly attributable transaction costs. Purchases 
or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the 
market place (regular way trades) are recognised on the trade date.

Financial assets at amortised cost
Financial assets at amortised cost are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in 
an active market. They are included in current assets, except those with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting 
date. These are classified as non-current assets. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, 
if the time value of money is significant, less any allowance for impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in the statement of 
profit or loss when the financial assets at amortised cost are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the amortisation 
process.

Derecognition 
A financial asset is primarily derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired or the Group has 
transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset. Gains or losses from derecognition of financial assets are recognised in 
the statement of profit or loss. 

Financial liabilities 
Financial  liabilities  are  subsequently  stated  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  rate  method,  with  any  difference 
between proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value being recognised in the statement of profit or loss, unless 
capitalised in accordance with Note 1.2.7, Borrowing costs, over the contractual period of the financial liability. 

Derecognition 
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. Gains or losses 
from derecognition of financial liabilities are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. 

1.2.11  Fair value measurement

The Group measures financial instruments at fair value at each reporting date.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the 
asset or transfer the liability takes place either:

• 

• 

in the principal market for the asset or liability; or

in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.

The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the 
asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.

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NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.11  Fair value measurement (continued)

A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits 
by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest 
and best use.

The  Group  uses  valuation  techniques  that  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances  and  for  which  sufficient  data  is  available  to 
measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs. All assets 
and  liabilities  for  which  fair  value  is  measured  or  disclosed  in  the  financial  statements  are  categorised  within  the  fair  value 
hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:

Level 1: Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Valuation  techniques  for  which  the  lowest  level  input  that  is  significant  to  the  fair  value  measurement  is  directly  or 

indirectly observable.

Level 3: Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.

For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the financial statements that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the 
Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the fair hierarchy by reassessing categorisation (based on the 
lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

1.2.12  Impairments

Non-financial assets
The Group assesses, at each reporting date, whether there is an indication that an asset (or CGU) may be impaired in accordance 
with IAS 36. Goodwill is assessed for impairment on an annual basis and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value 
may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, 
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

Non-financial assets that were previously impaired are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. 
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the 
asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. If that is the case, the carrying amount of the asset is 
increased  to  its  recoverable  amount.  That  increased  amount  cannot  exceed  the  carrying  amount  that  would  have  been 
determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. Such a reversal is recognised 
in the statement of profit or loss. After such a reversal the depreciation charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s 
revised carrying amount, less any residual value, on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life. Impairment losses relating to 
goodwill cannot be reversed in future periods.

Financial assets
Assets carried at amortised cost
The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all financial assets at amortised costs in the statement 
of profit or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and 
all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The 
expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the 
contractual terms. 

For credit exposures for which there has not been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, ECLs are provided 
for credit losses that result from default events that are possible within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For those credit 
exposures for which there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for 
credit losses expected over the remaining life of the exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default (a lifetime ECL). 

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.13  Inventories

Inventories, which include rough diamonds, ore stockpiles and consumables, are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realisable value and all losses, is recognised in the period the write-
down or loss occurs. Cost is determined as the average cost of production, using the weighted average method. Cost includes 
directly attributable mining overheads, but excludes borrowing costs.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and 
the estimated costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.2.14  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash  and  cash  equivalents  are  carried  in  the  statement  of  financial  position  at  amortised  cost.  Cash  and  cash  equivalents 
comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities 
of three months or less.

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as 
defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

1.2.15  Issued share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in 
equity as a deduction from the proceeds.

1.2.16  Foreign currency translations
Presentation currency
The  results  and  financial  position  of  the  Group’s  subsidiaries  which  have  a  functional  currency  different  from  the  Group’s 
presentation currency are translated into the Group’s presentation currency as follows:

• 

• 

statement of financial position items are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date;

income and expenses for each statement of profit or loss are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is 
not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case 
income and expenses are translated at the dates of the transactions); and

• 

resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.

Details of the rates applied at the respective reporting dates and for the statement of profit or loss transactions are detailed in 
Note 17, Issued capital and reserves.

Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains or losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at the 
period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the statement 
of profit or loss. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange 
rates as at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated 
using  the  exchange  rates  at  the  date  when  the  fair  value  was  determined.  Monetary  items  for  each  statement  of  financial 
position presented are translated at the closing rate at the reporting date.

1.2.17  Share-based payments

Employees (including Senior Executives) of the Group receive remuneration in the form of share-based payment transactions, 
whereby employees render services as consideration for equity instruments (equity-settled transactions). In situations where 
some  or  all  of  the  goods  or  services  received  by  the  entity  as  consideration  for  equity  instruments  cannot  be  specifically 
identified, they are measured as the difference between the fair value of the share-based payment and the fair value of any 
identifiable goods or services received at the grant date. 

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NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.17  Share-based payments (continued)

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.19  Restoration and rehabilitation provision (continued)

Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees are measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at 
the date at which they are granted and is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which 
the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model. In 
valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any vesting conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of 
the shares of the Company (market conditions).

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market 
condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition is satisfied, provided that all other 
performance conditions are satisfied.

At each reporting date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period 
has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement of the vesting conditions or otherwise of the non-market 
vesting conditions and of the number of equity instruments that is expected to ultimately vest or, in the case of an instrument 
subject to a market condition, be treated as vesting as described above. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous 
reporting date is recognised in the statement of profit or loss, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, 
the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense 
is recognised over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the 
difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date 
of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference is negative, due to the fact that it would not be beneficial to the 
employees.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any cost not yet 
recognised in the statement of profit or loss for the award is expensed immediately. Where an equity-settled award is forfeited, 
it is treated as if vesting conditions had not been met and all costs previously recognised are reversed and recognised in income 
immediately within the year of forfeiture.

Management applies judgement when determining whether share options relating to employees who resigned before the end 
of  the  service  condition  period  are  cancelled  or  forfeited  as  referred  under  Note  1.2.28,  Critical  accounting  estimates  and 
judgements.

The Group periodically releases the share-based equity reserve to retained earnings in relation to lapsed, forfeited and exercised 
options.

1.2.18  Provisions

Provisions are recognised when:

• 

• 

the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event; and

a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The 
increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.

1.2.19  Restoration and rehabilitation provision

The  mining,  extraction  and  processing  activities  of  the  Group  normally  give  rise  to  obligations  for  site  restoration  and 
rehabilitation.  Rehabilitation  works  can  include  facility  decommissioning  and  dismantling,  removal  and  treatment  of  waste 
materials, land rehabilitation, and site restoration. The extent of the work required and the estimated cost of final rehabilitation, 
comprising liabilities for decommissioning and restoration, are based on current legal requirements, existing technology and the 
Group’s environmental policies, and is reassessed annually. Cost estimates are not reduced by the potential proceeds from the 
sale of property, plant and equipment.

Provisions for the cost of each restoration and rehabilitation program are recognised at the time the environmental disturbance 
occurs. When the extent of the disturbance increases over the life of the operation, the provision and associated asset is increased 
accordingly.  Costs  included  in  the  provision  encompass  all  restoration  and  rehabilitation  activity  expected  to  occur.  The 
restoration and rehabilitation provisions are measured at the expected value of future cash flows, discounted to their present 
value, using a pre-tax discount rate. Discount rates used are specific to the country in which the operation is located or reasonable 
alternatives if in-country information is not available. The value of the provision is progressively increased over time as the effect 
of the discounting unwinds, which is recognised in finance charges. Restoration and rehabilitation provisions are also adjusted 
for changes in estimates.

When provisions for restoration and rehabilitation are initially recognised, the corresponding cost is capitalised as a decommissioning 
asset where it gives rise to a future benefit and depreciated over future production from the operation to which it relates.

Management is required to make significant estimates and assumptions when determining the amount of the restoration and 
rehabilitation provisions as referred under Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates and judgements.

1.2.20  Taxation

Income tax for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the statement of profit or loss except 
to the extent that it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity or to other comprehensive income, in which case the 
tax consequences are recognised directly in equity and other comprehensive income respectively. Current tax expense is the 
expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting 
date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the statement of financial position liability method, providing for temporary differences between 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or 
the liability is settled based on the tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit 
will be realised.

The Group offsets deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities if, and only if, it has a legally enforceable right to 
set off current tax assets and current tax liabilities and the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities relate to 
income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend 
either to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis, or to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously, in 
each future period in which significant amounts of deferred tax liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or recovered.

In respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities, 
deferred tax is provided except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled by the Group 
and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

In  respect  of  deductible  temporary  differences  associated  with  investments  in  subsidiaries,  associates  and  jointly  controlled 
entities, deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the 
foreseeable future and taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. Withholding tax 
is recognised in the statement of profit or loss when dividends or other services which give rise to that withholding tax are 
declared or accrued respectively. Withholding tax is disclosed as part of current tax.

Royalties
Royalties incurred by the Group comprise mineral extraction costs based on a percentage of sales paid to the local revenue 
authorities. These obligations arising from royalty arrangements are recognised as current payables and disclosed as part of 
royalty and selling costs in the statement of profit or loss.

Royalties and revenue-based taxes are accounted for under IAS 12 when they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is 
considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is based on taxable 
income – rather than based on quantity produced or as a percentage of revenue. For such arrangements, current and deferred 
tax  is  provided  on  the  same  basis  as  described  above  for  other  forms  of  taxation. The  royalties  incurred  by  the  Group  are 
considered not to meet the criteria to be treated as part of income tax.

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NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.21  Employee benefits

Provision is made in the financial statements for all short-term employee benefits. Liabilities for wages and salaries, including 
non-monetary benefits, benefits required by legislation, annual leave, retirement benefits and accumulating sick leave obliged 
to  be  settled  within  12  months  of  the  reporting  date,  are  recognised  in  trade  and  other  payables  and  are  measured  at  the 
amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the reporting date 
are measured at the amount the obligation is expected to be settled or discounted to present value using a pre-tax discount rate 
where relevant or where time value of money is expected to be significant. The Group recognises an expense for contributions 
to the defined contribution pension fund in the period in which the employees render the related service.

Bonus plans
The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses. The Group recognises a liability where contractually obliged or 
where  there  is  a  past  practice  that  has  created  a  constructive  obligation. These  liabilities  are  recognised  in  trade  and  other 
payables and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.

1.2.22  Leases

At inception, the Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease. This assessment involves the exercise of judgement 
whether it depends on a specified asset, whether the Group obtains substantially all the economic benefits from the use of that 
asset, and whether the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset. For leases that contain one lease component and one 
or  more  additional  lease  or  non-lease  components,  the  Group  allocates  the  consideration  in  the  contract  to  each  lease 
component on the basis of the relative stand-alone price of the lease component and the aggregate stand-alone price of the 
non-lease components. The lease component is accounted for under the requirements of IFRS 16 and the non-lease component 
is accounted for using the relevant standard based on the nature of the non-lease component.

Right-of-use assets
The Group recognises right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the lease (ie, the date the underlying asset is available 
for use). Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for 
any remeasurement of lease liabilities. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognised, initial 
direct costs incurred, costs to dismantle, restore and remove the right-of-use asset, and lease payments made at or before the 
commencement date less any lease incentives received. After the commencement date, the right-of-use assets are measured 
using  a  cost  model.  Right-of-use  assets  are  depreciated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  shorter  of  the  lease  term  and  the 
estimated useful lives of the assets. If ownership of the leased asset transfers to the Group at the end of the lease term or the cost 
reflects the exercise of a purchase option, depreciation is calculated using the estimated useful life of the asset. Right-of-use 
assets are subject to impairment. Refer Note 1.2.12, Impairments.

Lease liabilities
At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognises lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments 
to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any 
lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under 
residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be 
exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the 
option to terminate. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognised as an expense in the 
period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement 
date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease 
liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying 
amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification to the terms and conditions of the lease or if there a lease 
reassessment.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases (ie, those leases that have a lease term of 
12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option). It also applies the lease of low-value 
assets recognition exemption to leases of office equipment that are considered to be qualitatively and quantitatively of low 
value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognised as expense on a straight-line basis over 
the lease term.

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.22  Leases (continued)

Group as a lessor
Where the Group is a lessor, it determines at inception whether the lease is a finance or operating lease. When a lease transfers 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the underlying asset then the lease is a finance lease; otherwise the lease 
is an operating lease.

Where the Group is an intermediate lessor, the interest in the head lease and the sub-lease is accounted for separately and the 
lease classification of a sub-lease is determined by reference to the Right-of-use-asset arising from the head lease. Income from 
operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  

1.2.23  Revenue from contracts with customers

Revenue comprises net invoiced diamond sales to customers excluding VAT. Diamond sales are made through a competitive 
tender process and recognised when the Group’s performance obligations have been satisfied at the time the buyer obtains 
control of the diamond(s), at an amount that the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for the diamond(s). Where the Group 
makes rough diamond sales to customers and retains a right to an interest in their future sale as polished diamonds, the Group 
records the sale of the rough diamonds but such contingent revenue on the onward sale is only recognised at the date when 
the polished diamonds are sold or when polished sales prices are mutually agreed between the customer and the Group.

The following revenue streams are recognised:

• 

rough diamonds which are sold through a competitive tender process, partnership agreements and joint operation 
arrangements;

•  polished diamonds and other products which are sold through direct sales channels;

• 

• 

additional uplift (on the value from rough to polished) on partnership arrangements; and

additional uplift (on the value from rough to polished) on joint operation arrangements.

The  sale  of  rough  diamonds  is  the  core  business  of  the  Group,  with  other  revenue  streams  contributing  marginally  to  total 
revenue.

Revenue  through  joint  operation  arrangements  is  recognised  for  the  sale  of  the  rough  diamond  according  to  each  party’s 
percentage entitlement as per the joint operation arrangement. Contractual agreements are entered into between the Group 
and the joint operation partner whereby both parties control jointly the cutting and polishing activities relating to the diamond. 
All decisions pertaining to the cutting and polishing of the diamonds require unanimous consent from both parties. Once these 
activities  are  complete,  the  polished  diamond  is  sold,  after  which  the  revenue  on  the  remaining  percentage  of  the  rough 
diamond is recognised, together with additional uplift on the joint operation arrangement. The Group portion of inventories 
related to these transactions is included in the total inventories balance.

Revenue through partnership arrangements is recognised for the sale of the rough diamond, with an additional uplift based on 
the polished margin achieved. Management recognises the revenue on the sale of the rough diamond when it is sold to a third 
party, as there is no continuing involvement by management in the cutting and polishing process and control has passed to the 
third party. Revenue from additional uplift is considered to be a variable consideration. This variable consideration will generally 
be significantly constrained. This is on the basis that the ultimate additional uplift received will depend on a range of factors that 
are highly susceptible to factors outside the Group’s influence. Management recognises revenue on the additional uplift when 
the polished diamond is sold by the third party or the polished sales prices are mutually agreed between the third party and the 
Group and the additional uplift is guaranteed.

Rendering of service
Revenue  from  services  relating  to  third-party  diamond  manufacturing  is  recognised  in  the  accounting  period  in  which  the 
services are rendered, when the Group’s performance obligations have been satisfied, at an amount that the Group expects to 
be entitled to in exchange for the services.

Contract assets
A contract asset is the right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to the customer. If the Group transfers 
goods or services to a customer before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, a contract asset is recognised 
for the earned consideration that is conditional. The Group does not have any contract assets as performance and a right to 
consideration occurs within a short period of time and all rights to consideration are unconditional.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.23  Revenue from contracts with customers (continued)

Contract liabilities
A contract liability is the obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Group has received consideration 
(or an amount of consideration is due) from the customer. If a customer pays consideration before the Group transfers goods or 
services to the customer, a contract liability is recognised when the payment is made or the payment is due (whichever is earlier). 
Contract  liabilities  are  recognised  as  revenue  when  the  Group  performs  under  the  contract. The  Group  does  not  have  any 
contract  liabilities  as  the  transfer  of  goods  or  services  performance  occurs  within  a  short  period  of  time  of  receiving  the 
consideration.

1.2.24  Interest income

Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.

1.2.25  Dividends

Dividends are recognised when the amount of the dividend can be reliably measured and the Group’s right to receive payment 
is established.

1.2.26  Finance costs

Finance costs are recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest rate method.

1.2.27  Dividend distribution

Dividend distributions to the Group’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period 
in which the dividends are approved by the Group’s shareholders.

1.2.28  Critical accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgements and form 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, the reported income and expenses during the periods 
presented therein, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Estimates and judgements 
are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that 
are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future and the resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, 
seldom  equal  the  related  actual  results.  The  estimates  and  assumptions  that  have  a  significant  risk  of  causing  a  material 
adjustment to the financial results or the financial position reported in future periods are discussed below.

COVID-19
The Group has considered the impact of COVID-19 on its significant accounting judgements and estimates. The Group’s main 
source of estimation uncertainty is in relation to assumptions used for the assessment of impairment and impairment reversal 
of assets. No further significant estimates have been identified as a result of COVID-19, although the pandemic has increased the 
level of uncertainty inherent in all future cash flow forecasts. 

Estimates
Ore reserves and associated life of mine (LoM)
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating ore reserves and the associated LoM. Therefore, the Group must make 
a number of assumptions in making those estimations, including assumptions as to the prices of diamonds, exchange rates, 
production costs and recovery rates. Assumptions that are valid at the time of estimation may change significantly when new 
information becomes available. Changes in the forecast prices of diamonds, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates 
may change the economic status of ore reserves and may, ultimately, result in the ore reserves being restated. Where assumptions 
change  the  LoM  estimates,  the  associated  depreciation  rates,  residual  values,  waste  stripping  and  amortisation  ratios,  and 
environmental  provisions  are  reassessed  to  take  into  account  the  revised  LoM  estimate.  Refer  Note  9,  Property,  plant  and 
equipment.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure
This policy requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular 
whether economically viable extraction operations are viable where reserves have been discovered and whether indications of 
impairment  exist.  Any  such  estimates  and  assumptions  may  change  as  new  information  becomes  available.  Refer  Note  9, 
Property, plant and equipment.

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.28  Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

Provision for restoration and rehabilitation
Significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the amount of the restoration and rehabilitation provisions. 
These deal with uncertainties such as changes to the legal and regulatory framework, magnitude of possible contamination, and 
the timing, extent and costs of required restoration and rehabilitation activity. Refer Note 22, Provisions, for further detail.

Judgement
Impairment reviews
The  Group  determines  if  goodwill  is  impaired  at  least  on  an  annual  basis,  while  all  other  significant  operations  are  tested  for 
impairment when there are potential indicators which may require impairment review. This requires an estimation of the recoverable 
amount of the relevant CGU under review. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. While 
conducting an impairment review of its assets using value-in-use impairment models, the Group exercises judgement in making 
assumptions about future rough diamond prices, exchange rates, volumes of production, ore reserves and resources included in 
the current LoM plans, production costs and macro-economic factors such as inflation and discount rates. Changes in estimates 
used  can  result  in  significant  changes  to  the  consolidated  statement  of  profit  or  loss  and  consolidated  statement  of  financial 
position. The results of the impairment testing performed did not indicate any impairments in the current year. Refer Note 12, 
Impairment testing, for further estimates and judgements applied.

The key assumptions used in the recoverable amount calculations, determined on a value-in-use basis, are listed below:

Valuation basis
Discounted present value of future cash flows.

LoM and recoverable value of reserves and resources
Economically  recoverable  reserves  and  resources,  carats  recoverable  and  grades  achievable  are  based  on  management’s 
expectations of the availability of reserves and resources at mine sites and technical studies undertaken by in-house and third-
party specialists. Reserves remaining after the current LoM plan have not been included in determining the value in use of the 
operations.

Cost and inflation rate
Operating costs for Letšeng are determined based on management’s experience and the use of contractors over a period of 
time whose costs are fairly reasonably determinable. Mining and processing costs in the short to medium term have been based 
on the agreements with the relevant contractors. In the longer term, management has applied local inflation rates of 4% to 5.3% 
(2019: 4% to 6%) for operating costs in addition to a depth escalation factor for mining costs as a result of mining in deeper areas 
within both pits.

Capital costs in the short-term has been based on management’s capital program after which a fixed percentage of operating 
costs have been applied to determine the capital costs necessary to maintain current levels of operations.

Exchange rates
Exchange rates are estimated based on an assessment at current market fundamentals and long-term expectations. The US 
dollar/Lesotho loti (LSL) exchange rate used was determined with reference to the closing rate at 31 December 2020 of LSL14.69 
(31 December 2019: LSL13.98).

Diamond prices
The diamond prices used in the impairment test have been set with reference to recent prices achieved, recent market trends 
and the Group’s medium-term forecast. Long-term diamond price escalation reflects the Group’s assessment of market supply/
demand fundamentals.

Discount rate
The discount rate of 10.8% for revenue (2019: 11.2%) and 14.3% for costs (2019: 14.7%) used for Letšeng represents the before-tax 
risk-free rate adjusted for market risk, volatility and risks specific to the asset and its operating jurisdiction.

Market capitalisation
In the instance where the Group’s asset carrying values exceed market capitalisation, this results in an indicator of impairment. 
The Group believes that this position does not represent an impairment as all significant operations were assessed for impairment 
during the year and no impairments were recognised.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142

143

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.28  Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

1. 
1.2 
1.2.28  Critical accounting estimates and judgements (continued)

Judgement (continued)
Sensitivity
The value in use for Letšeng indicated sufficient headroom, and the further changes to key assumptions which could result in 
impairment are disclosed in Note 12, Impairment testing. 

Capitalised stripping costs (deferred waste)
Waste removal costs (stripping costs) are incurred during the development and production phases at surface mining operations. 
Furthermore, during the production phase, stripping costs are incurred in i) the production of inventory and ii) in the creation of 
future  benefits  by  improving  access  and  mining  flexibility  in  respect  of  the  ore  to  be  mined,  (the ‘stripping  activity  asset’). 
Judgement is required to distinguish between these two activities at Letšeng. The orebody needs to be identified in its various 
separately identifiable components. An identifiable component is a specific volume of the orebody that is made more accessible 
by  the  stripping  activity.  Judgement  is  required  to  identify  and  define  these  components  (referred  to  as ‘cuts’),  and  also  to 
determine the expected volumes (tonnes) of waste to be stripped and ore to be mined in each of these components. These 
assessments are based on a combination of information available in the mine plans, specific characteristics of the orebody and 
the milestones relating to major capital investment decisions.

Judgement is also required to identify a suitable production measure that can be applied in the calculation and allocation of 
production stripping costs between inventory and the stripping activity asset. The ratio of expected volume (tonnes) of waste 
to be stripped for an expected volume (tonnes) of ore to be mined for a specific component of the orebody, compared to the 
current period ratio of actual volume (tonnes) of waste stripped to the volume (tonnes) of ore mined is considered to determine 
the most suitable production measure.

These  judgements  and  estimates  are  used  to  calculate  and  allocate  the  production  stripping  costs  to  inventory  and/or  the 
stripping  activity  asset(s).  Furthermore,  judgements  and  estimates  are  also  used  to  apply  the  stripping  ratio  calculation  in 
determining the amortisation of the stripping activity asset. Refer Note 9, Property, plant and equipment, for further detail.

Share-based payments
Judgement is applied by management in determining whether the share options relating to employees who resigned before 
the end of the service condition period have been cancelled or forfeited in light of their leaving status. Where employees do not 
meet the requirements of a good leaver as per the rules of the long-term incentive plan (LTIP), no award will vest and this will be 
treated as cancellation by forfeiture. The expenses relating to these charges previously recognised are then reversed. Where 
employees do meet the requirements of a good leaver as per the rules of the LTIP, some or all of an award will vest and this will 
be treated as a modification to the original award. The future expenses relating to these awards are accelerated and recognised 
as an expense immediately. Refer Note 28, Share-based payments, for further detail.

Identifying uncertainties over tax treatments
An amended tax assessment was issued to Letšeng by the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) in December 2019, contradicting 
the application of certain tax treatments in the current Lesotho Income Tax Act 1993. In March 2020, Letšeng lodged an objection 
to the assessment, which was supported by the opinion of senior counsel, together with an application for the suspension of 
payment. The suspension of payment was accepted. The LRA has subsequently lodged an application to the Lesotho High Court 
pertaining to this matter, to which Letšeng is opposing. The matter has been set down for hearing in August 2021.

Management do not believe an uncertain tax position exists as:

• 

• 

• 

there is no ambiguity in the application of the Lesotho Income Tax Act;

there has been no change in the application of the Income Tax Act and resulting tax; and

senior counsel advice, which is legally privileged, has been obtained and reflects good prospects of success in setting 
aside the amended tax assessment.

No provision or contingent liability, relating to the amended tax assessment in question, is required to be raised in the 2020 
Annual Financial Statements. 

Equipment and service lease 
The major components of Letšeng’s ore-extraction mining activities are outsourced to a mining contractor. The mining contractor 
performs these functions using their own equipment. Management applied judgement when evaluating whether the contract 
between Letšeng and the mining contractor contained a lease. While it was concluded there was a lease, lease payments are 
variable in nature as the lease payment vary based on the tonnes of ore and waste mined and hence no right of use asset or 
liability could be measured. A portion of the lease payment is expensed in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and the 
portion relating to waste removal/stripping costs is capitalised to the waste stripping asset in the proportions referred to under 
the estimate and judgements applied to the Capitalised stripping costs (deferred waste) above. Refer Note 25, Commitments 
and contingencies.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
144

145

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

189 028 
618
1

182 046
–
1

189 647

182 047

26
(23)
(30)
(3 884)

(3 911)

90
(7)
762
–

845

2. 

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Sale of goods
Partnership arrangements 
Rendering of services

The revenue from the sale of goods represents the sale of rough diamonds, for which revenue 
is recognised at the point in time at which control transfers. 

The revenue from partnership arrangements of US$0.6 million represents the additional uplift 
from partnership arrangements for which revenue is recognised when the amount is 
guaranteed (2019: Nil).

The revenue from the rendering of services mainly represents the services rendered on 
third-party diamond analysis and manufacturing, for which the revenue is recognised over 
time as the services are rendered.

No revenue was generated from joint operation arrangements during the current or prior year 
(2020: Nil) (2019: Nil).

3.

OTHER OPERATING (EXPENSES)/INCOME

Sundry income
Sundry expenses
(Loss)/profit on disposal and scrapping of property, plant and equipment
COVID-19 Standing costs

COVID-19 standing costs
In compliance with the Government of Lesotho’s lockdown order, Letšeng temporarily 
suspended operations between 28 March and 26 April and placed the mine on care and 
maintenance. After successfully engaging with the Government of Lesotho to designate 
mining as an essential service, a restart and ramp-up plan was implemented commencing in 
May, whereby normal production levels for both treatment plants were achieved by 27 May, 
with incidental waste mining commencing in May and reaching normal levels in July. During 
the care and maintenance and ramp-up periods where normal waste stripping and carat 
production levels were disrupted, certain standing fixed mining contract and ore stockpile 
movement costs incurred were recognised as abnormal costs and have been expensed 
immediately in the Statement of profit or loss. Of these costs, US$1.0 million related to costs 
incurred to implement protocols throughout the Group to address the risk and curb the 
spread of COVID-19.

4.

OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit includes such non-operating costs and income as listed below:
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation excluding waste stripping costs
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Waste stripping costs amortised

Add/(less): Depreciation and mining asset amortisation capitalised to inventory

Inventories
Cost of inventories recognised as an expense
Foreign exchange
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain
Lease expenses not included in lease liability
Mine site property
Equipment and service lease
Contingent rental – Alluvial Ventures
Leased premises

Auditor’s remuneration – EY
Group financial statements
Statutory

Auditor’s remuneration – other audit firms
Statutory
Other non-audit fees – EY
Tax compliance
Tax services advisory and consultancy
Other services2

Other non-audit fees – other audit firms
Internal audit
Tax services advisory and consultancy

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

(7 046)
(2 043)
(43 420)

(52 509)
19

(52 490)

(12 400)
(2 526)
(43 129)

(58 055)
(151)

(58 206)

(105 524)

(114 678)

(880)

3 550

(69)
(7 280)
(5 190)
–

(12 537)

(146)
(6 377)1
(9 472)
(152)
(16 147)1

(296)
(176)

(472)

(17)

(5)
(13)
–

(18)

–
(15)

(15)

(296)
(155)

(451)

(17)

(34)
(9)
(15)

(58)

(2)
–

(2)

Employee benefits expense
Salaries and wages3
Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and mining asset 
amortisation (underlying EBITDA) before discontinued operation
Underlying EBITDA is shown, as the Directors consider this measure to be a relevant guide to 
the operational performance of the Group and excludes such non-operating costs and income 
as listed below. The reconciliation from operating profit to underlying EBITDA is as follows:
Operating profit
Other operating income5
Foreign exchange loss/(gain)
Share-based payments
Depreciation and amortisation (excluding waste stripping cost amortised)

Underlying EBITDA before discontinued operation

(18 781)

(20 467)4

42 664
27
880
555
9 070

53 196

29 858
(845)
(3 550)
784
14 752

40 999

1  These expenses consist of mining activities outsourced to a mining contractor. In 2019 the expense incorrectly included the portion of expenses which are capitalised to 
the Stripping Activity Asset, the comparatives have been corrected to exclude the capitalised expenses. This did not impact the totals included within the Consolidated 
Annual Financial Statements nor the earnings per share of 2019. Refer Significant accounting policies Note 1.2.6, Property Plant and equipment, Note 1.2.28, Critical 
accounting estimates and judgements, Note 9, Property, plant and equipment and Note 19, Lease liabilities.
Includes services related to the sale of assets.
Includes contributions to defined contribution plan of US$0.5 million (31 December 2019: US$0.5 million). An average of 381 employees excluding contractors were 
employed during the period (2019: 425). 
In 2019 the discontinued operation salaries and wages were incorrectly included in this disclosure, however this did not impact the totals included within the 
Consolidated Annual Financial Statements nor the Earnings per share of 2019. The comparative has been corrected to exclude the salaries and wages related to the 
discontinued operation..

2 
3 

4 

5  Excludes COVID-19 standing costs which are considered as operating costs.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020146

147

5.

6.

7. 

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

RECLASSIFICATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION RESERVE
During the prior year the Group abandoned Gem Diamonds Marketing Botswana (Proprietary) Limited, the sales and 
marketing office for Ghaghoo’s diamonds and Gem Diamonds Technology DMCC. As the operations were closed and not sold 
the closure was classified as an abandonment, which resulted in the recycling of the foreign currency translation reserve. There 
was no profit or loss on the abandonment.

NET FINANCE COSTS
Finance income
Bank deposits
Other

Total finance income
Finance costs
Bank overdraft
Finance costs on borrowings
Finance costs on lease liabilities
Finance costs on unwinding of rehabilitation and decommissioning provision

Total finance costs

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Current
– Foreign
Withholding tax
– Foreign
Deferred
– Foreign

Income tax expense

Profit before taxation from continuing operations

Reconciliation of tax rate
Applicable income tax rate
Permanent differences
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Effect of foreign tax at different rates
Withholding tax

Effective income tax rate

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

358
24

382

–
(3 297)
(608)
(888)

(4 793)

(4 411)

668
–

668

(459)
(3 981)
(1 087)
(949)

(6 476)

(5 808)

(11 593)

(1 805)

(529)

(143)

1 411

(10 711)

(7 072)

(9 020)

38 253

24 050

%

25.0
(3.0)
3.0
1.7
1.3

28.0

%

25.0
0.8
7.9
3.2
0.6

37.5

The tax rate reconciles to the statutory Lesotho corporation tax rate of 25.0% rather than the statutory UK corporation tax rate 
of 19.0% as this is the jurisdiction in which the majority of the Group’s taxes are incurred.

8.

EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per 
share computations:

Profit for the year:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operation

Less: Non-controlling interests

Net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent for basic and 
diluted earnings

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

24 278

27 542
(3 264)

(10 637) 

10 576

15 030
(4 454)

(7 959)

13 641

2 617

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year (‘000)

139 273

138 964

Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year after taking into account future potential conversion 
and issue rights associated with the ordinary shares.

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year
Effect of dilution:
– Future share awards under the Employee Share Option Plan

2020 
Number of
 shares

2019 
Number of
 shares

139 273

138 964

2 341

2 640

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year adjusted for the 
effect of dilution

141 614

141 604

There have been no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and 
the date of completion of these financial statements.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020148

149

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

9.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

9.

Stripping
activity
 asset
US$’000

Mining 
asset
US$’000

Exploration 

and
 develop-
ment 
assets
US$’000

De- 
commis- 
sioning 
assets
US$’000

Lease- 
hold
improve-
ment
US$’000

Plant and 
equipment
US$’000

Other
 assets1
US$’000

Total
US$’000

As at 31 December 2020
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2020
Additions
Net movement in 
rehabilitation provision
Disposals
Scrapping2
Reclassifications
Foreign exchange 
differences

Balance at 
31 December 2020

Accumulated 
depreciation/
amortisation/
impairment
Balance at 1 January 2020
Charge for the year3
Disposals
Scrapping2
Foreign exchange 
differences

Balance at 
31 December 2020

Net book value at 
31 December 2020

562 583
47 167

122 061
–

(990)
–
–
–

–
–
(2 929)
504

(21 405)

(4 586)

587 355

115 050

369 388
43 420
–
–

53 936
1 174
–
(2 929)

(11 365)

(2 992)

401 443

49 189

185 912

65 861

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

5 822
–

58 219
7

84 757
1 561

6 999
3

840 441
48 738

(1 373)
–
–
–

(381)
–
(610)
674

(381)
–
(993)
(1 751)

–
(85)
(444)
573

(3 125)
(85)
(4 976)
–

(330)

(1 954)

(3 725)

555

(31 445)

4 119

55 955

79 468

7 601

849 548

4 102
88
–
–

23 901
2 834
–
(567)

60 128
2 513
–
(987)

5 133
458
(41)
(488)

516 588
50 487
(41)
(4 971)

(71)

36

(2 504)

377

(16 520)

4 119

26 204

59 150

5 439

545 543

–

29 751

20 318

2 162

304 005

1  Other assets comprise motor vehicles, computer equipment, furniture and fittings, and office equipment.
2  
3  

 Certain assets at Letšeng that were no longer in use were scrapped.
 A reassessment of assets’ useful lives was undertaken at Letšeng with certain assets’ useful lives being realigned from the period of mining lease to the life of mine. The 
reduction in depreciation charge of US$3.4 million is expected to continue into the future.  Refer Note 1.2.6, Property, plant and equipment. 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)
Exploration 
and
 develop-
ment 
assets
US$’000

Stripping
activity
 asset
US$’000

Mining 
asset
US$’000

De- 
commis- 
sioning 
assets
US$’000

Lease- 
hold
improve-
ment
US$’000

Plant and 
equipment
US$’000

Other
 assets1
US$’000

Total
US$’000

As at 31 December 2019
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2019
Additions
Net movement in 
rehabilitation provision
Disposals
Reclassifications
Assets held for sale (Note 16)
Foreign exchange differences

Balance at 
31 December 2019

Accumulated 
depreciation/ 
amortisation/impairment
Balance at 1 January 2019
Charge for the year
Disposals
Assets held for sale (Note 16)
Foreign exchange differences

Balance at 
31 December 2019

Net book value at 
31 December 2019

473 395
73 175

117 913
434

148 890
–

5 494
–

55 197
19

95 365
8 727

19 899
506

916 153
82 861

–
–
–
–
16 013

–
–
2 634
–
1 080

–
–
–
(150 911)2
2 021

157
–
–
–
171

–
–
8 085
(6 821)
1 739

–
(292)
(11 328)
(10 195)
2 480

–
(343)
609
(14 683)
1 011

157
(635)
–
(173 230)
24 515

562 583

122 061

–2

5 822

58 219

84 757

6 999

849 821

316 412
43 129
–
–
9 847

51 652
1 963
–
–
321

147 441
–
–
(149 441)2
2 000

3 669
310
–
–
123

24 639
5 279
–
(6 821)
768

64 233
4 223
–
(10 195)
1 867

18 467
625
(320)
(14 683)
981

626 513
55 529
(320)
(171 661)
15 907

369 388

53 936

193 195

68 125

–2

–2

4 102

23 901

60 128

5 133

525 968

1 720

34 318

24 629

1 866

323 853

1  Other assets comprise motor vehicles, computer equipment, furniture and fittings, and office equipment.
2 

In 2019 only a portion of the exploration and development asset cost and accumulated depreciation was allocated to the asset held for sale, however this asset only 
related to the asset held for sale. The previously incorrectly unallocated portion of cost and accumulated depreciation of US$9.4 million, which had a net book value  of 
nil, has been corrected in the prior period property, plant and equipment reconciliation and allocated to asset held for sale. This correction did not impact the totals 
included within the Consolidated Annual Financial Statements nor the reported earnings per share.

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151

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

11.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
As at 31 December 2020
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2020
Foreign exchange difference

Balance at 31 December 2020

Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2020
Amortisation

Balance at 31 December 2020

Net book value at 31 December 2020

As at 31 December 2019
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2019
Foreign exchange difference

Balance at 31 December 2019

Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 1 January 2019
Amortisation
Balance at 31 December 2019

Net book value at 31 December 2019

1  Goodwill allocated to Letšeng Diamonds. Refer Note 12, Impairment for impairment testing.

Intangibles 
US$’000

Goodwill1 
US$’000

Total 
US$’000

791
–

791

791 
–

791

–

791
–

791

791
–
791

–

13 653
(656)

14 444
(656)

12 997

13 788

–
–

–

791
–

791

12 997

12 997

13 272
381

13 653

–
–
–

14 063
381

14 444

791
–
791

 13 653

13 653

10.  RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

As at 31 December 2020
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2020
Additions
Derecognition of lease
Foreign exchange differences
Balance at 31 December 2020
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2020
Charge for the year
Derecognition of lease
Foreign exchange differences
Balance at 31 December 2020
Net book value at 31 December 2020

As at 31 December 2019
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2019
Additions
Foreign exchange differences
Balance at 31 December 2019
Accumulated depreciation
Balance at 1 January 2019
Charge for the year
Foreign exchange differences
Balance at 31 December 2019
Net book value  at 31 December 2019

Right-of-use assets

Plant and 
equipment 
US$’000

Motor 
vehicles 
US$’000

Buildings 
US$’000

Total 
US$’000

2 012
821
(585)
(31)
2 217

980
793
(115)
79
1 737

480

1 350
616
46

2 012

977
3

980

1 032

1 656
-
(1 019)
(273)
364

361
114
(175)
(45)
255

109

1 620
–
36

1 656

360
1

361

1 295

7 318
354
(988)
(240)
6 444

1 191
1 136
(196)
79
2 210

4 234

6 642
540
136

7 318

1 189
2

1 191

6 127

10 986
1 175
(2 592)
(544)
9 025

2 532
2 043
(486)
113
4 202

4 823

9 612
1 156
218

10 986

2 526
6

2 532

8 454

Buildings comprise office buildings in Maseru, Antwerp, London and Johannesburg. Plant and equipment mainly comprise back-up 
power generating equipment utilised at Letšeng. Motor vehicles mainly comprise vehicles utilised by contractors at Letšeng.  

Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of its estimated useful life and the lease term.

During the year, Letšeng entered into a new contract with its existing ore processing contractor. The original contract, which was 
assessed as containing a lease on adoption on 1 January 2019, was cancelled. The new contract was assessed as not containing a 
lease, as Letšeng no longer retained the right to control the use of the assets associated with the contract. All assets and liabilities 
associated with the original lease were derecognised. Furthermore, Gem Diamonds Limited (GDL) entered into a new contract for 
the rental of its office space in London. The new contract was assessed as containing a lease resulting in the recognition of the 
associated assets and liabilities. The original contract was cancelled, and the associated assets and liabilities were derecognised. 
Total gains of US$0.2 million relating to the derecognition of leases in the Group have been recognised in the Consolidated 
Statement of Profit or Loss. Refer Note 19, Lease Liabilities and Note 24.1, Cash generated by operations.

During the year the Group recognised income of US$0.3 million (2019: US$0.6 million) from the sub-leasing of office buildings in 
Maseru. The Group expects to receive the following lease payments from the operating sub-leasing in the following years:

2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

US$ ‘000’s

105
111
117
123
96 

The Group early adopted IFRS 16 – COVID-19 Related Rent Concessions and applied  the practical expedient to all rental 
concessions received as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This adoption did not have a material impact on the 
Group. Refer Note 1.2.1, Basis of preparation.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020152

153

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

12.

IMPAIRMENT TESTING
Impairment testing
Goodwill impairment testing is undertaken on Letšeng Diamonds annually and when there 
are indications of impairment. The most recent test was undertaken at 31 December 2020. In 
assessing whether goodwill has been impaired, the carrying amount of Letšeng Diamonds is 
compared with its recoverable amount. For the purpose of goodwill impairment testing in 
2020, the recoverable amount for Letšeng Diamonds has been determined based on a 
value-in-use model, similar to that adopted in the past.
Goodwill
Letšeng Diamonds

Balance at end of year

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

12 997

12 997

13 653

13 653

Movement in goodwill relates to foreign exchange translation from functional to presentation currency, as disclosed within 
Note 11, Intangible assets.

The discount rate is outlined below and represents the nominal pre-tax rate. This rate is based on the weighted average cost 
of capital (WACC) of the Group and adjusted accordingly at a risk premium for Letšeng Diamonds, taking into account risks 
associated therein.

Discount rate – Letšeng Diamonds
Applied to revenue
Applied to costs

2020 
%

10.8
14.3

2019 
%

 11.2
 14.7

Value in use
Cash flows are projected for a period up to the date that the open pit mining is expected to cease in 2034. This is based on 
the latest available mine plan and is shorter than the mining lease period which extends to 2029 with an exclusive option to 
renew for a further 10 years to 2039. This mine plan takes into account the available reserves and other relevant inputs such as 
diamond pricing, costs and geotechnical parameters.

Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The Group will continue to test its assets for impairment where indications are identified.

Refer Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates and judgements, for further details on impairment testing policies.

The diamond prices used in the impairment test have been set with reference to recent prices achieved, recent market trends 
and anticipated market supply and the Group’s medium-term forecast. Long-term diamond price escalation reflects the Group’s 
assessment of market supply/demand fundamentals. The valuation of Letšeng at 31 December 2020 exceeded the carrying 
value by US$83.0 million (31 December 2019: US$86.0 million). The valuation is sensitive to input assumptions particularly in 
relation to the foreign exchange assumption of the US dollar (US$) to the Lesotho loti (LSL) and the future price growth for 
diamonds. The Group has assumed an appropriate price increase for its diamonds following the market improvement noted in 
the diamond prices in the second half of the year. 

A range of alternative scenarios have been considered in determining whether there is a reasonably possible change in the 
foreign exchange rates in conjunction with a reasonably possible change in the diamond price recovery, which would result 
in the recoverable amount equating to the carrying amount. A 10% strengthening of the LSL to the US$ to US$1:LSL13.20 or a 
further reduction of 9% to the starting diamond prices would result in the recoverable amount equating to the carrying value, 
with other valuation assumptions remaining the same.

As a result, no impairment charge was recognised during the year.

13.  RECEIVABLES AND OTHER ASSETS

Non-current
Deposits

Current
Trade receivables
Prepayments
Deposits
Other receivables
VAT receivable

The carrying amounts above approximate their fair value due to the nature of the instruments.
Analysis of trade receivables base on their terms and conditions
Neither past due nor impaired
Past due but not impaired:
Less than 30 days
30 to 60 days
60 to 90 days
90 to 120 days

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

153

–

22
1 349
–
135
4 180

5 686

–

22
–
–
–

22

89
1 087
94
797
4 270

6 243

39

50
–
–
–

89

Based on the nature of the Group’s client base, other financial assets and the negligible exposure to credit risk, the expected 
credit loss is insignificant and has no impact on the Group.

14.

INVENTORIES
Diamonds on hand
Ore stockpiles
Consumable stores

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

15 558
2 365
8 818

26 741

21 743
1 816
8 958

32 517

Inventory is carried at the lower of cost or net realisable value. During the year no write-downs to net realisable value were 
recorded.

15.

CASH AND SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS
Cash on hand
Bank balances
Short-term bank deposit

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

4
35 456
14 360

49 820

1
10 971
331

11 303

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020154

155

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

15. CASH AND SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS (continued)

The amounts reflected in the financial statements approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity and nature of cash 
and short-term deposits.

Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are generally call deposit 
accounts and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates.

The Group’s cash surpluses are deposited with major financial institutions of high-quality credit standing predominantly within 
Lesotho and the United Kingdom.

At 31 December 2020, the Group had US$60.8 million (31 December 2019: US$69.9 million) of undrawn facilities, representing 
the LSL500.0 million (US$34.0 million) three-year unsecured revolving working capital facility at Letšeng, the Letšeng 
ZAR100.0 million (US$6.8 million) working capital facility and US$20.0 million from the Company’s 12 month unsecured 
revolving credit facility. For further details on these facilities, refer Note 18, Interest-bearing loans and borrowings.

16

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
In line with the strategic objective to dispose of non-core assets, the Board and Management remain committed to the sale of 
Gem Diamonds Botswana (Pty) Ltd which owns the Ghaghoo diamond mine. The binding agreement that Gem Diamonds 
entered into in June 2019 for the sale of 100% of the share capital of GDB lapsed due to certain suspensive conditions not 
having been met, however Management again opened the process to other prospective buyers during the year and has 
entered into an exclusivity arrangement with an interested party with whom potential sale discussions are continuing. The 
sales process faced considerable delays in 2020 largely due to the impact of COVID-19 and in particular the related travel 
restrictions that prohibited site visits which had been requested for due diligence purposes. This process is expected to be 
concluded in 2021. During the year, some consumable inventory items were written off relating to expired explosives and 
plant consumables; and spares and accessories for automotives no longer on site.

The asset held for sale is carried at carrying value which is lower than fair value less costs to sell. The fair value is based on 
unobservable market offers from potential buyers for the disposal group, accordingly the non-recurring fair value 
measurement is included in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The trading results of the operation continue to be classified as a discontinued operation held for sale and are presented as 
follows:

Gross profit
Other costs
Inventory write-down
Share-based payments
Foreign exchange gain

Operating loss
Net finance costs

Loss before tax from discontinued operation
Income tax expense

Loss after tax from discontinued operation attributable to equity holders of the parent

Loss per share from discontinued operation (cents)
Basic
Diluted

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

–
(2 816)
(240)
(6)
–

(3 062)
(202)

(3 264)
–

(3 264)

(2.3)
(2.3)

–
(4 389)
–
(10)
125

(4 274)
(180)

(4 454)
–

(4 454)

(3.2)
(3.1)

Gem Diamonds Botswana incurred rental expenses from short-term leases of US$0.9 million (31 December 2019: 
US$1.6 million) during the year.

Gem Diamonds Botswana has estimated tax losses of US$185.2 million (31 December 2019: US$184.9 million) for which no 
deferred tax asset has been recognised. Deferred tax assets of US$0.3 million were recognised to the extent of the deferred tax 
liabilities. These have been offset in the table below.

16

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (continued)
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment

Current assets
Inventories
Receivables and other assets
Cash and short-term deposits

Total assets

LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Total liabilities

The net cash flows attributable to the discontinued operation held for sale are as follows:
Operating cash outflows
Investing
Financing cash inflows1
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain on translation of cash balance

Net cash (outflow)/inflow

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

1 533

1 568

1 774
214
7

1 995

3 528

2 136
99
140

2 375

3 943

3 753

3 613

471
4 224

(2 920)
–
2 850
(63)

(133)

608
4 221

(4 323)
–
4 384
2

63

1  Financing provided by Gem Diamonds Botswana (Pty) Ltd’s holding company, being Gem Diamonds Limited, to fund care and maintenance costs .

17.

ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Share capital

Authorised – ordinary shares of US$0.01 each
As at year end

Issued and fully paid balance at beginning of year
Allotments during the year

Balance at end of year

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Number 
of shares 
US$’000

200 000

138 984
628

139 612

US$’000

2 000

1 391
6

1 397

Number 
of shares
‘000

200 000

138 896
88

138 984

US$’000

2 000

1 390
1

1 391

Share premium
Share premium comprises the excess value recognised from the issue of ordinary shares above its par value.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020156

157

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

17.

ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES (continued)
Other reserves

Balance at 1 January 2020
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income
Share capital issue
Share-based payments

Balance at 31 December 2020

Balance at 1 January 2019
Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense
Share-based payments
Transfer between reserves1

Balance at 31 December 2019

Foreign
 currency
 translation
 reserve
 US$’000

(208 493)
(9 862)

(9 862)
–
–

Share-
based 
equity 
reserve
 US$’000

5 636
–

–
(6)
561

Total 
US$’000

(202 857)
(9 862)

(9 862)
(6)
561

(218 355)

6 191

(212 164)

(207 639)
(854)

(854)
–
–

55 610
–

–
794
(50 768)

(152 029)
(854)

(854)
794
(50 768)

(208 493)

5 636

(202 857)

1 

In the prior year the Company  elected to release share-based equity reserve relating to lapsed and exercised options to accumulated (losses)/retained earnings.

Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign 
entities. The South African, Lesotho and Botswana (2019: United Arab Emirates operation abandoned in 2019) subsidiaries’ 
functional currencies are different to the Group’s presentation currency of US dollar. The rates used to convert the operating 
functional currency into US dollar are as follows:

Average rate
Year end
Average rate
Year end
Average rate
Year end

Currency

ZAR/LSL to US$1
ZAR/LSL to US$1
Pula to US$1
Pula to US$1
Dirham to US$1
Dirham to US$1

2020

16.47
14.69
11.45
10.80
–
–

2019

14.45
13.98
10.76
10.58
3.67
3.67

Share-based equity reserves
For details on the share-based equity reserve, refer Note 28, Share-based payments.

Capital management
For details on capital management, refer Note 27, Financial risk management.

18.

INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS 

Effective interest rate

Maturity

2020
 US$’000

2019
 US$’000

Non-current
LSL215.0 million bank loan facility
Tranche 1
Tranche 2

ZAR12.8 million asset-based 
finance facility

Current
LSL215.0 million bank loan facility
Tranche 1
Tranche 2

LSL14.5 million insurance 
premium finance

US$30.0 million bank 
loan facility

US$45.0 million bank 
loan facility
Tranche 1
Tranche 2

ZAR12.8 million asset-based 
finance facility

ZAR1.8 million insurance 
premium finance

South African JIBAR + 3.15%
31 March 2022
South African JIBAR + 6.50% 30 September 2022

South African Prime Lending Rate

1 January 2024

477
817

408

1 702

4 291
1 168

550

6 009

South African JIBAR + 3.15%
31 March 2022
South African JIBAR + 6.75% 30 September 2022

635
3 268

3 433
667

2.95% fixed interest

30 June 2021

542

London US$ three-month LIBOR + 5.0% 31 December 2021

9 700

–

–

London US$ three-month LIBOR + 4.5% 31 December 2020
London US$ three-month LIBOR +4.5% 31 December 2020

–
–

10 000
2 000

South African Prime Lending Rate

1 January 2024

176

232

2.5% fixed interest

1 May 2021

64

–

14 385

16 332

LSL215.0 million (US$14.6 million) bank loan facility at Letšeng Diamonds
This loan comprises two tranches of debt as follows:

• 

• 

Tranche 1: South African rand denominated ZAR180.0 million (US$12.2 million) debt facility supported by the Export Credit 
Insurance Corporation (ECIC) (five years tenure); and

Tranche 2: Lesotho loti denominated LSL35.0 million (US$2.4 million) term loan facility without ECIC support (five years and 
six months tenure).

The loan is an unsecured project debt facility which was signed jointly with Nedbank and the ECIC on 22 March 2017 to fund 
the construction of the Letšeng mining support services complex. The loan is repayable in equal quarterly payments which 
commenced in September 2018. At year end LSL76.3 million (US$5.2 million) (31 December 2019: LSL133.7 million 
(US$9.6 million)) remains outstanding. 

The South African rand-based interest rates for the facility at 31 December 2020 are:

• 

• 

Tranche 1: 10.10% (31 December 2019: 9.95%); and

Tranche 2: 6.50% (31 December 2019: 13.55%).

The South African prime lending rate has reduced materially during the year due to the South African Reserve Bank reducing 
the repo rate to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Total interest for the year on this interest-bearing loan was US$0.6 million (31 December 2019: US$2.2 million).

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020158

159

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

18.

INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (continued)
US$30.0 million (2019: US$45.0 million) bank loan facility at Gem Diamonds Limited
This facility was a three-and-a-half-year revolving credit facility (RCF) with Nedbank Capital which consisted of two tranches:

• 

• 

Tranche 1: related to the Ghaghoo US$25.0 million debt whereby capital repayments commenced in September 2018 with 
final repayment made on 31 December 2020; and

Tranche 2: this tranche of US$20.0 million related to an RCF which included an upsize mechanism whereby the tranche 
increased by a ratio of 0.6:1 for every repayment made under Tranche 1. 

Upon expiry of the RCF on 31 December 2020, it was rolled into a US$30.0 million facility with no tranches for a period of 
12 months. The facility will expire on 31 December 2021.

At year end US$Nil million (31 December 2019: US$10.0 million) had been drawn down under the facility under Tranche 1 
and US$10.0 million (31 December 2019: US$2.0 million) under Tranche 2 which was rolled into a new US$30.0 million RCF. 
This resulted in US$20.0 million remaining undrawn under the new RCF. Facility rolling fees of US$0.3 million were incurred, 
which were capitalised to the loan balance, resulting in the disclosure of a net US$9.7 million loan balance. The capitalised 
rolling fees will be amortised and accounted for as finance costs within profit or loss over the period of the facility (2020: nil).  
The US dollar-based interest rate for this facility at 31 December 2020 is 4.72% (31 December 2019: 6.44%).

Total interest for the year on this interest-bearing RCF was US$1.2 million (31 December 2019: US$1.7 million).

ZAR12.8 million (US$0.9 million) Asset-Based Finance facility
In January 2019, the Group, through its subsidiary, Gem Diamond Technical Services, entered into a ZAR12.8 million  
(US$0.9 million) Asset Based Finance (ABF) facility with Nedbank Limited for the purchase of a mobile X-Ray transmission 
machine (the asset). The asset serves as security for the facility. At year end ZAR8.6 million (US$0.6 million) remains outstanding 
(31 December 2019: ZAR 10.9 million, US$0.8 million). The facility is repayable over five years and bears interest at the South 
African Prime Lending rate, which was 7.00% at 31 December 2020 (31 December 2019: 10.00%).

Total interest for the year on this interest-bearing ABF was US$0.1 million (31 December 2019: US$0.1 million).

ZAR14.5 million insurance premium finance 
The Group through its subsidiary Letšeng Diamonds, entered into a LSL14.5 million (US$1.0 million) 12-month funding 
agreement with Premium Finance Partners (Proprietary) Limited for insurance premium finance for its annual Asset All Risk 
insurance premium. At year end LSL7.5 million (US$0.5 million) remains outstanding. The funding is repayable in 12-monthly 
instalments and bears a fixed interest rate of 2.95%. Total interest on this funding is LSL0.4 million (US$25.9 thousand) of which 
LSL0.3 million (US$18.9 thousand) was paid during the year.

ZAR1.8 million insurance premium finance
The Group through its subsidiary Gem Diamonds Technical Services, entered into a ZAR1.8 million (US$0.1 million) 12-month 
funding agreement with Premium Finance Partners (Proprietary) Limited for its annual Group Umbrella Liability insurance 
premium. At year end US$64.3 thousand remains outstanding. The funding is repayable in 10-monthly instalments and bears 
interest at a fixed rate of 2.50%. Total interest on this funding is ZAR45.2 thousand (US$2.7 thousand) of which 
ZAR18.3 thousand (US$1.1 thousand) interest was paid during the year.

Other facilities
The Group through its subsidiary Letšeng Diamonds, has a LSL500.0 million (US$34.0 million) three-year unsecured revolving 
working capital facility jointly with Standard Lesotho Bank and Nedbank Capital, which was renewed in July 2018 and expires 
in July 2021. The facility is expected to be renewed during 2021. There was no draw down of this facility at year end.

The Group, through its subsidiary, Letšeng Diamonds, has a ZAR100.0 million (US$6.8 million) overdraft facility with Nedbank 
Limited (acting through its Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking division). There was no draw down of this facility at 
year end.

19.

LEASE LIABILITIES
Non-current
Current

Total lease liabilities

Reconciliation of movement in lease liabilities
As at 1 January
Additions
Interest expense
Lease payments
Derecognition of lease
Foreign exchange differences

As at 31 December

2020
 US$’000

2019 
US$’000

4 902
1 836

6 738

10 479
1 175
608
(2 522)
(2 296)
(705)

6 739

8 539
1 940

10 479

11 043
1 156
1 087
(2 988)
–
181

10 479

Lease payments comprise payments in principle of US$1.9 million (31 December 2019: US$1.9 million) and repayments of 
interest US$0.6 million (31 December 2019: US$1.1 million). 

The Group recognised variable lease payments of US$41.4 million (31 December 2019: US$53.6 million) for the year ended 
31 December 2020 which consist of mining activities outsourced to a mining contractor. Total costs incurred for the year 
amount to US$41.4 million (31 December 2019: US$53.6 million) of which US$34.1 million (31 December 2019: 
US$47.2 million) has been capitalised to the Stripping Asset. Refer Note 1.2.6, Property Plant and equipment, Note 1.2.28, 
Critical accounting estimates and judgements, Equipment and service lease, Note 4, Operating profit.

Residual value guarantees of US$0.1 million (31 December 2019: US$0.1 million) exist on leases for backup power generating 
equipment at Letšeng, which represents the cost to decommission and return the power generating equipment to the 
supplier at the end of the lease term.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020160

161

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

20.

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
Non-current
Severance pay benefits1

Current
Trade payables2
Accrued expenses2
Leave benefits
Royalties and withholding taxes2
Dividend payable to non-controlling interest
Other

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

2 029

1 936

12 892
8 169
685
3 955
3 064
58

28 823

13 368
8 817
615
3 573
–
17

26 390

1 

 The severance pay benefits arise due to legislation within the Lesotho jurisdiction, requiring that two weeks of severance pay be provided for every completed year of 
service, payable on retirement.

2  These amounts are mainly non-interest bearing and are settled in accordance with terms agreed between the parties. 

Royalties consist of a levy paid to the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho on the value of diamonds sold by Letšeng. 

In November, Letšeng declared a LSL400.0 million dividend (US$24.8 million), of which LSL150.0 million remains unpaid at year end 
(US$10.2 million). The dividend payable to the Non-controlling interest represents 30% of the unpaid dividend, payable to the 
Government of Lesotho.

The carrying amounts above approximate fair value.

21. 

INCOME TAX PAYABLE/(RECEIVABLE)
Reconciliation of movement in income tax payable
Balance at 1 January 
Payments received/(made) during the year
Income tax charge 
Foreign exchange differences

Balance at 31 December

Split as follows
Income tax receivable
Income tax payable

22.

PROVISIONS
Rehabilitation provisions

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

(8 176)
5 889
11 593
2 528

11 834

(106)
11 940

8 964
(18 787)
1 948
(301)

(8 176)

(8 189)
13

22.

PROVISIONS (continued)
Rehabilitation provisions (continued)
In determining the amounts attributable to the rehabilitation provision at the Lesotho mining area, management used a 
discount rate of 9.7% (31 December 2019: 6.7%), estimated rehabilitation timing of 15 years (31 December 2019: 17 years) and 
an inflation rate of 5.3% (31 December 2019: 5.0%). At the Botswana mining area, management used the available estimated 
costs to rehabilitate, considering its care and maintenance state. In addition to the changes in the discount rates, inflation and 
rehabilitation timing, the (decrease)/increase in the provision at Letšeng and Ghaghoo (Refer Note 16, Asset held for sale) 
respectively  is attributable to the annual reassessment of the estimated closure costs performed at the operations together 
with the ongoing rehabilitation spend during the year at Letšeng.

23.  DEFERRED TAXATION
Deferred tax assets
Lease liabilities
Accrued leave
Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Prepayments
Unremitted earnings

Net deferred tax liability
Reconciliation of net deferred tax liability
Balance at beginning of year
Movement in current period:
– Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes
– Accrued leave
– Operating lease liability
– Unremitted earnings
– Prepayments
– Provisions
– Lease liabilities
– Right-of-use assets
– Foreign exchange differences

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

1 683
263
4 400

6 346

(79 902)
(1 236)
(218)
(3 182)

2 705
52
5 114

7 871

(84 532)
(2 174)
(251)
(4 038)

(84 538)

(90 995)

(78 192)

(83 124)

(83 124)

(74 054)

548
21
–
857
29
12
(582)
527
3 520

(6 914)
(4)
(351)
–
41
(351)
2 626
(2 112)
(2 005)

12 331

15 588

Balance at end of year

(78 192)

(83 124)

Reconciliation of movement in rehabilitation provisions
Balance at 1 January
Decrease during the year
Unwinding of discount rate
Transferred to liabilities directly associated with the asset held for sale (Note 16)
Foreign exchange differences

Balance at 31 December

15 588
(3 125)
888
–
(1 020)

12 331

17 876
(295)
1 130
(3 613)
490

15 588

Rehabilitation provisions
The provisions have been recognised as the Group has an obligation for rehabilitation of the mining areas. The provisions have 
been calculated based on total estimated rehabilitation costs, discounted back to their present values over the LoM at the 
mining operations. The pre-tax discount rates are adjusted annually and reflect current market assessments.

The Group has not recognised a deferred tax liability for all taxable temporary differences associated with investments in 
subsidiaries because it is able to control the timing of dividends and only part of the temporary difference is expected to 
reverse in the foreseeable future. The gross temporary difference in respect of the undistributed reserves of the Group’s 
subsidiaries for which a deferred tax liability has not been recognised is US$97.1 million (31 December 2019: US$127.9 million).

The Group has estimated tax losses of US$34.0 million (31 December 2019: US$27.5 million). All tax losses are generated in 
jurisdictions where tax losses do not expire. No deferred tax assets were recognised on these losses.

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163

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

25.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
Mining leases
Mining lease commitments represent the Group’s future obligation arising from agreements 
entered into with local authorities in the mining areas that the Group operates.
The period of these commitments is determined as the lesser of the term of the agreement, 
including renewable periods, or the LoM. The estimated lease obligation regarding the future 
lease period, accepting stable inflation and exchange rates, is as follows:
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years
– More than five years

Equipment and service lease
The Group has entered into lease arrangements for the provision of loading, hauling and 
other transportation services payable at a fixed rate per tonne of ore and waste mined; power 
generator equipment payable based on a consumption basis; and rental agreements for 
various mining equipment based on the fleet utilised. All lease payments relating to this lease 
are variable in nature. A portion of the lease payment is therefore expensed in the 
Consolidated statement of profit or loss and the portion relating to waste removal/stripping 
costs is capitalised to the waste stripping asset in the proportions referred to under the 
estimate and judgements applied to the Capitalised stripping costs (deferred waste). Refer 
Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates. The terms of this lease are negotiated during the 
extension option periods catered for in the agreements or at any time sooner if agreed by 
both parties.

– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

162
695
993

1 850

149
862
1 821

2 832

52 855
181 904

59 267
254 218

234 759

313 485

24.
CASH FLOW NOTES
24.1 Cash generated by operations

Profit before tax for the year – continuing operations
Loss for the year – discontinued operation
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation excluding waste stripping
Depreciation on right-of-use assets
Waste stripping cost amortised
Finance income
Finance costs
Unrealised foreign exchange differences
Loss/(profit) on disposal and scrapping of property, plant and equipment
Gain on derecognition of leases
Inventory write down
Reclassification of foreign currency translation reserve
Movement in prepayment
Bonus, leave and severance provisions raised
Share-based payments
Environmental rehabilitation realignment
Gain on abandonment

4
10
4
6
6, 16

16

24.2 Working capital adjustment
Decrease/(Increase) in inventory
Decrease in receivables
Decrease in payables

24.3 Cash flows from financing activities (excluding lease liabilities)

Balance at beginning of year
Net cash used in financing activities

– Financial liabilities repaid
– Financial liabilities raised

Interest paid
Non-cash movements

– Interest accrued
– Financial liabilities raised2
– Foreign exchange differences

Balance at year end

Notes

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

38 253
(3 264)

7 027
2 043
43 420
(382)
4 994
(4 019)
30
(150)
240
–
–
4 317
561
–
(20)

93 050

3 489
1 316
(4 341)

464

22 341
(6 431)

(55 638)
49 207

(2 884)
3 060

2 884
1 047
(871)

24 050
(4 454)

12 551
2 526
43 129
(668)
6 656
(4 184)
(762)
–
–
(4)
(647)
3 1081
794
(451)1
–

81 644

(851)
1 596
(3 599)

(2 854)

34 166
(12 175)

(47 056)
34 881

(4 094)
4 444

4 094
–
350

1  These amounts have been disaggregated in the current year for comparative purposes, and were previously grouped and disclosed as other non-cash movements in 2019.
2  This amount relates to funding obtained for insurance premium finance. The funding was paid directly by the lender to the third party and is being repaid by the Group in 

monthly installments to the lender. Refer Note 18, Interest bearing loans and borrowings.

18

16 086

22 341

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165

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

26.  RELATED PARTIES
Related party

Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Relationship

Common director
Non-controlling interest

Refer Note 1.1.2, Operational information, for information regarding shareholding in subsidiaries. 

25.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
Letšeng Diamonds Educational Fund
In terms of the mining agreement entered into between the Group and the Government of 
the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Group has an obligation to provide funding for education and 
training scholarships. The quantum of such funding is at the discretion of the Letšeng 
Diamonds Education Fund Committee.
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years

Capital expenditure
Approved but not contracted for
Approved and contracted for

37
50

87

1 091
372

1 463

39
69

108

3 299
1 490

4 789

The main capital expenditure approved relates to investment in continued tailings storage extension of US$1.0 million 
(31 December 2019: US$0.6 million), investment at the mining fleet maintenance workshop of US$0.3 million (31 December 
2019: nil) and the purchase of safety equipment and vehicles of US$0.1 million.  The expenditure is expected to be incurred 
over the next 12 months but will be assessed in line with the uncertainty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Contingent rentals – Alluvial Ventures
The contingent rentals represent the Group’s obligation to a third party (Alluvial Ventures) for operating a third plant on the 
Group’s mining property at Letšeng Diamonds. The rental is determined when the actual diamonds mined by Alluvial Ventures 
are sold. The agreement is based on 39.5% to 60% (2019: 40% to 60%) of the value (after costs) of the diamonds recovered by 
Alluvial Ventures and is limited to US$1.4 million per individual diamond. As at the reporting date, such future sales cannot be 
determined.

Contingencies
The Group has conducted its operations in the ordinary course of business in accordance with its understanding and 
interpretation of commercial arrangements and applicable legislation in the countries where the Group has operations. In 
certain specific transactions, however, the relevant third party or authorities could have a different interpretation of those laws 
and regulations that could lead to contingencies or additional liabilities for the Group. Having consulted professional advisers, 
the Group has identified possible disputes approximating US$0.2 million (December 2019: US$0.2 million). 

The Group monitors possible tax claims within the various jurisdictions in which the Group operates. Management applies 
judgement in identifying uncertainties over tax treatments and concluded that there were no uncertain tax treatments 
relating to the current year. Refer Note 1.2.28, Critical accounting estimates and judgements. There remains a risk that further 
tax liabilities may potentially arise. While it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome in some cases, the Group does not 
anticipate that there will be any material impact on the Group’s results, financial position or liquidity.

Compensation to key management personnel (including Directors)
Share-based equity transactions
Short-term employee benefits

Fees paid to related parties
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited

Royalties paid to related parties
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Lease and licence payments to related parties
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Sales to/(purchases from) related parties
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited

Amount included in trade payables owing to related parties
Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited

Amounts owing to related party
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Dividends declared
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho

Dividends payable
Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

344
3 612

3 956

440
3 063

3 503

(83)

(83)

(18 425)

(15 459)

(132)

(146)

(4)

(9)

(5)

(9)

(3 955)

(3 537)

(7 452)

(3 064)

–

–

Jemax Management (Proprietary) Limited provided administrative services with regard to the mining activities undertaken by 
the Group. A controlling interest is held by an Executive Director of the Company. 

The above transactions were made on terms agreed between the parties and were made on terms that prevail in arm’s length 
transactions.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020166

167

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

27.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks:

•  market risk (including commodity price risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk);

• 

• 

credit risk; and

liquidity risk.

The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise 
potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance.

Risk management is carried out under policies approved by the Board of Directors. The Board provides principles for overall risk 
management,  as  well  as  policies  covering  specific  areas,  such  as  foreign  exchange  risk,  interest  rate  risk,  credit  risk,  use  of 
derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investing excess liquidity.

There have been no changes to the financial risk management policy since the prior year.

Capital management
For the purpose of the Group’s capital management, capital includes the issued share capital, share premium and liabilities on 
the  Group’s  statement  of  financial  position.  The  primary  objective  of  the  Group’s  capital  management  is  to  ensure  that  it 
maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to support its business and maximise shareholder value. The 
Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it, in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain or 
adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares or restructure its debt facilities. The management of the Group’s 
capital is performed by the Board.

The Group’s capital management, among other things, aims to ensure that it meets financial covenants attached to its interest-
bearing loans and borrowings. Breaches in meeting the financial covenants would permit the bank to immediately call loans and 
borrowings. There have been no breaches of the financial covenants in the current year.

At  31  December  2020,  the  Group  had  US$60.8  million  (31  December  2019:  US$69.9  million)  of  undrawn  debt  facilities  and 
continues to have the flexibility to manage the capital structure more efficiently by the use of these debt facilities, thus ensuring 
that an appropriate gearing ratio is achieved.

Refer Note 18, Interest bearing loans and borrowings for detail on the debt facilities in the Group.

a)  Market risk

(i)  Commodity price risk

The Group is subject to diamond price risk. Diamonds are not homogeneous products and the price of rough diamonds 
is not monitored on a public index system. The fluctuation of prices is related to certain features of diamonds such as 
quality and size. Diamond prices are marketed in US dollar and long-term US dollar per carat prices are based on external 
market consensus forecasts and contracted sales arrangements adjusted for the Group’s specific operations. The Group 
does not have any financial instruments that may fluctuate as a result of commodity price movements.

27.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

(a)  Market risk (continued) 
(ii)  Foreign exchange risk

The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, 
primarily with respect to the Lesotho loti, South African rand and Botswana pula. Foreign exchange risk arises when 
future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s 
functional currency.

The Group’s sales are denominated in US dollar which is the functional currency of the Company, but not the functional 
currency of the operations.

The currency sensitivity analysis below is based on the following assumptions:

–  Differences resulting from the translation of the financial statements of the subsidiaries into the Group’s presentation 

currency of US dollar, are not taken into consideration;

–  The  major  currency  exposures  for  the  Group  relate  to  the  US  dollar  and  local  currencies  of  subsidiaries.  Foreign 
currency exposures between two currencies where one is not the US dollar are deemed insignificant to the Group 
and have therefore been excluded from the sensitivity analysis; and

–  The analysis of the currency risk arises because of financial instruments which are denominated in a currency that is 
not  the  functional  currency  of  the  relevant  Group  entity. The  sensitivity  has  been  based  on  financial  assets  and 
liabilities at 31 December 2020. 

There has  been no change in the assumptions or method applied from the prior year.

Sensitivity analysis
At year-end, Letšeng had US$31.1 million cash on hand. If the US dollar had appreciated/(depreciated) by 10% against 
the  LSL,  the  Group’s  profit  before  tax  at  31  December  2020  would  have  been  US$2.8  million  (lower)/higher 
(31 December 2019: immaterial). 

(iii)  Forward exchange contracts

The Group enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge the exposure to changes in foreign currency of future sales 
of diamonds at Letšeng Diamonds. The Group performs no hedge accounting. At 31 December 2020, the Group had no 
forward exchange contracts outstanding (31 December 2019: US$nil).

(iv)  Interest rate risk

The Group’s income and operating cash flows are substantially independent of changes in market interest rates. The 
Group’s cash flow interest rate risk arises from borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash 
flow interest rate risk. At the time of taking new loans or borrowings, management uses its judgement to decide whether 
it believes that a fixed or variable rate borrowing would be more favourable to the Group over the expected period until 
maturity.

Sensitivity analysis
If the interest rates on the interest-bearing loans and borrowings (increased)/decreased by 80 basis points (2019: 60 basis 
points) during the year, profit before tax and equity would have been US$0.1 million (lower)/higher (31 December 2019: 
US$0.2  million). The  assumed  movement  in  basis  points  is  based  on  the  currently  observable  market  environment, 
which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
168

169

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

27.  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

(b)  Credit risk

The Group’s potential concentration of credit risk consists mainly of cash deposits with banks, trade receivables and other 
receivables. The Group’s short-term cash surpluses are placed with banks that have investment grade ratings, to minimise 
the exposure to credit risk to the lowest level possible from the perspective of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents. The 
maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial assets is represented by the carrying value as at the reporting dates.

The Group considers the credit standing of counterparties when making deposits to manage the credit risk.

Considering the nature of the Group’s ultimate customers and the relevant terms and conditions entered into with such 
customers, the Group believes that credit risk is limited as the customers pay and settle their accounts on the date of receipt 
of goods.

No other financial assets are impaired or past due and accordingly, no additional analysis has been provided.

The Group did not hold any form of collateral or credit enhancements for its credit exposures during the 31 December 2020 
and 31 December 2019 financial reporting periods.

(c)  Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the Group’s inability to obtain the funds it requires to comply with its commitments including the 
inability  to  sell  a  financial  asset  quickly  at  a  price  close  to  its  fair  value.  Management  manages  the  risk  by  maintaining 
sufficient cash, marketable securities and ensuring access to financial institutions and shareholding funding. This ensures 
flexibility  in  maintaining  business  operations  and  maximises  opportunities.  The  Group  has  available  debt  facilities  of 
US$60.8 million at year end (2019: US$69.9 million)

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities at 31 December based on contractual 
undiscounted payments, excluding discontinued operation:

Floating interest rates
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years

Total

Lease liabilities
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years

Total

Trade and other payables
– Within one year
– After one year but not more than five years

Total

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

14 960
1 750

16 710

2 375
5 880

8 255

28 823
2 029

30 852

17 734
6 636

24 370

2 895
10 416

13 311

26 390
1 936

28 326

28.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

The expense recognised for employee services received during the year is shown in the 
following table:
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions charged to the statement of profit or loss 
– continuing operation
Equity-settled share-based payment transactions charged to the statement of profit or loss 
– discontinued operation

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

555

6

561

784

10

794

The long-term incentive plans are described below:

Long-term incentive plan (LTIP)
Certain key employees are entitled to a grant of options, under the LTIP of the Company. The vesting of the options is dependent 
on employees remaining in service for a prescribed period (normally three years) from the date of grant. The fair value of share 
options granted is estimated at the date of the grant using an appropriate simulation model, taking into account the terms and 
conditions  upon  which  the  options  were  granted.  It  takes  into  account  projected  dividends  and  share  price  fluctuation  
co-variances of the Company.

There is a nil or nominal exercise price for the options granted. The contractual life of the options is 10 years and there are no 
cash settlement alternatives. The Company has no past practice of cash settlement.

The Company’s LTIP policy is reviewed every 10 years.

LTIP 2007 Award
Under the 2007 LTIP rules, there are four awards where options are still outstanding.

All four awards were awarded on the following basis:

To key employees (excluding Executive Directors):

• 

• 

• 

• 

the awards vest over a three-year period in tranches of a third of the award each year;

the vesting of the award is dependent on service conditions and certain performance targets being met for the same 
three-year period (classified as non-market conditions);

if the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse;

the performance conditions relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected in the fair value of the award at 
grant date;

•  once the awards vest, they are exercisable for seven years (ie. contractual term is 10 years); and

• 

the vested awards are equity settled.

To Executive Directors:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the awards vest over a three-year period;

the vesting of the award is dependent on service conditions and both market and non-market performance 
conditions;

75% of the awards granted are subject to non-market conditions and 25% to market conditions by reference to the 
Company’s total shareholder return (TSR) as compared to a group of principal competitors;

if the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse;

the performance conditions relating to the non-market conditions are not reflected in the fair value of the award at 
grant date;

•  once the awards vest, they are exercisable for seven years (ie. contractual term is 10 years); and

• 

the vested awards are equity settled.

The fair value of the Nil value awards is based on the observable Gem Diamonds Limited share price on the date of award with 
no adjustments to the price made.

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
170

171

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

28.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

28.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

The following table reflects details of all the awards within the 2007 LTIP that remain outstanding:

The following table reflects details of all the awards within the 2017 LTIP that remain outstanding:

LTIP 
March 
2016

LTIP 
April 
2015

LTIP 
June 
2014

LTIP 
March 
2014

LTIP
 September 
2012

Number of options granted – Nil value
Number of options granted – Market value
Date exercisable
Options outstanding
Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility1 (%)
Risk-free interest rate2 (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Exercise price (US$)
Exercise price (GBP)
Weighted average share price (US$)
Fair value of nil value options (US$)
Fair value of nil value options (GBP)
Fair value of market value options (US$)
Fair value of market value options (GBP)
Model used

625 000
–

456 750
152 250

1 215 000
185 000
15 March 2019
146 451
2.00
39.71
0.97
3.00
nil
nil
1.56
1.40
0.99
0.69
0.49

312 000
624 000
10 June 2017 19 March 2017 1 January 2016
–
15 000
0.00
0.00
42.10
–
0.33
–
3.00
3.00
2.85
nil
1.78
nil
2.85
2.87
2.85
2.87
1.78
1.74
1.66
–
–
1.04
– Monte Carlo

58 209
0.00
37.25
1.94
3.00
nil
nil
2.70
2.70
1.61
1.83
1.09
Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Monte Carlo

1 215 000
185 000
1 April 2018
53 114
2.00
37.18
1.16
3.00
nil
nil
2.10
1.97
1.33
1.18
0.80

1  Expected volatility was based on the average annual historic volatility of the Company’s share price over the previous three years.
2  The relevant risk-free interest rate is taken from a UK Treasury Bond issued which closely matches the lifetime of the option.

LTIP 2017 Award
Under the 2017 LTIP rules, there are four awards where options are still outstanding.

All the awards were issued on the same basis as the 2007 LTIP.

During the current year, one new award was made as follows:

LTIP 2017 Award – June 2020
On 9 June, 1 249 000 nil-cost options were granted to certain key employees and Executive Directors. 180 000 of the options 
granted relate to market conditions. The options vest after a three-year period and are exercisable between 9 June 2023 and 
8 June 2030. If the performance or service conditions are not met, the options lapse. The performance conditions relating to the 
non-market conditions are not reflected in the fair value of the award at grant date, and therefore the Company will assess the 
likelihood of these conditions being met with a relevant adjustment to the cumulative charge as required at each financial year 
end. The  fair  value  of  the  nil-cost  options  is  £0.15  (US$0.19).  Of  the  1  249  000  options  originally  granted,  1  229  356  are  still 
outstanding following the resignation of a number of employees, the lapsing of awards due to certain performance conditions 
not having been met and management’s estimates of the vesting of the remaining tranches.

Number of options granted – nil value
Number of options granted – market value
Date exercisable
Options outstanding
Dividend yield (%)
Expected volatility1 (%)
Risk-free interest rate2 (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Exercise price (US$)
Exercise price (GBP)
Weighted average share price (US$)
Fair value of nil value options (US$)
Fair value of nil value options (GBP)
Fair value of market value options (US$)
Fair value of market value options (GBP)
Model used

LTIP 
June 2020

LTIP 
March 2019

LTIP 
March 2018

LTIP 
July 2017

1 160 500
142 500

1 069 000
180 000

1 265 000
185 000
9 June 2023 20 March 2022 20 March 2021
1 034 136
0.00
40.00
1.2
3.00
nil
nil
1.35
1.35
0.96
0.74
0.53

1 150 000
185 000
4 July 2020
248 584
2.00
40.21
0.67
3.00
nil
nil
1.24
1.11
0.86
0.72
0.56
Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Monte Carlo

1 229 356
0.00
47.00
0.34
3.00
nil
nil
0.39
0.39
0.31
0.19
0.15
Monte Carlo

1 102 732
0.00
43.00
1.2
3.00
nil
nil
1.20
1.20
0.90
0.58
0.44

The following table illustrates the number (’000) and movement in the outstanding share options during the year:

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year3
Forfeited

Balance at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

2020 
’000

4 002
1 249
(480)
(884)

3 887

535

2019 
’000

3 538
1 303
(81)
(758)

4 002

613

1  Expected volatility was based on the average annual historic volatility of the Company’s share price over the previous three years.
2  The relevant risk-free interest rate is taken from a UK Treasury Bond issued which closely matches the lifetime of the option.
3  Options were exercised regularly throughout the year. The weighted average share price during the year was £0.39 (US$0.50) (2019: £0.80 (US$1.02)).
The  weighted  average  remaining  contractual  life  for  the  share  options  outstanding  as  at  31  December  2020  was  7.5  years 
(2019 8.0 years).

The weighted average fair value of the share options outstanding as at 31 December 2020 was US$0.79 (2019: US$1.02).

ESOP
In September 2017, 47 200 shares which were previously held in the Company Employee Share Trust were granted to certain key 
employees involved in the Business Transformation of the Group. The Company Employee Share Trust was deregistered in 2017 
following the grant of these shares. The fair value of the award was valued at the share price of the Company at the date of the 
award of £0.71 (US$0.96). These shares vested on 18 March 2019 and became immediately exercisable. The fair value of these 
outstanding awards at 31 December 2020 was £0.41 (US$0.52) (2019: £0.41 (US$0.52)). The shares outstanding at the end of the 
year are as follows: 

Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year

Balance at end of year

Exercisable at end of year

2020 
’000

47
–
(30)

17

17

2019 
’000

47
–
–

47

47

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
172

173

NOTES TO THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 continued

29. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Set out below is an overview of financial instruments, other than the current portions of the prepayment disclosed in Note 13, 
Receivables and other assets, which do not meet the criteria of a financial asset. These prepayments are carried at amortised cost.

32.  MATERIAL PARTLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY

Financial  information  of  Letšeng  Diamonds,  a  70%  held  subsidiary  which  has  a  material  non-controlling  interest,  with  the 
remaining 30% being held by the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, is provided below.

Financial assets at amortised cost
Cash (net of overdraft) – continuing operations
Cash – discontinued operation
Receivables and other assets – continuing operations
Receivables and other assets – discontinued operation

Total

Total non-current
Total current
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
Trade and other payables – continuing operations
Trade and other payables – discontinued operation

Total

Total non-current
Total current

Notes

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

15
16
13
16

18
20
16

49 821
7
4 490
195

54 513

153
54 360

16 087
30 852
471

47 410

3 730
43 680

11 303
140
4 735
99

16 277

–
16 277

22 341
28 325
608

51 274

16 484
45 269

The carrying amounts of the Group’s financial instruments held approximate their fair value.

There were no open hedges at year end (2019: nil).

30.  PROPOSED DIVIDENDS ON ORDINARY SHARES

Proposed ordinary cash dividend of US$3.5 million for 2020 based on 2.5 US cents per share (2019: US$ nil).

Proposed dividends on ordinary shares are subject to approval at the AGM to be held on 2 June 2021 and are not recognised 
as a liability as at 31 December.

31. 

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
No fact or circumstance has taken place between the end of the reporting period and the approval of the financial statements 
which, in our opinion, is of significance in assessing the state of the Group’s affairs or requires adjustments or disclosures.

Name

Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary) Limited
Accumulated balances of material non-controlling interest
Profit allocated to material non-controlling interest
The summarised financial information of this subsidiary is provided below. 
This information is based on amounts before intercompany eliminations.
Summarised statement of profit or loss for the year ended
31 December
Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Royalties and selling costs
Other (expenses)/income

Operating profit
Net finance costs

Profit before tax
Income tax expense

Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income

Attributable to non-controlling interest
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Dividends payable to non-controlling interest

Summarised statement of financial position as at 31 December
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, deferred tax assets, intangible assets and 
receivables and other assets
Current assets
Inventories, receivables and other assets, and cash and short-term deposits

Total assets

Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings, trade and other payables, provisions, 
lease liabilities and deferred tax liabilities
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings and trade and other payables

Total liabilities

Total equity

Attributable to:
Equity holders of parent
Non-controlling interest
Summarised cash flow information for the year ended
31 December
Operating cash inflows
Investing cash outflows
Financing cash outflows
Foreign exchange differences

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Country of
 incorporation
 and operation

Lesotho

2020 
US$’000

2019 
US$’000

79 906
10 683

76 427
8 319

186 579
(112 081)

74 498
(19 043)
(6 695)

48 760
(2 840)

45 920
(10 307)

35 613
35 613

10 683
(4 658)
(3 064)

179 785
(127 244)

52 541
(15 715)
3 333

40 159
(3 792)

36 367
(8 637)

27 730
27 730

8 319
–
–

325 009

340 646

78 098

403 107

53 476

394 122

101 203

109 385

35 553

136 756

266 351

186 446
79 906

105 471
(48 700)
(20 640)
2 787

38 918

29 981

139 366

254 756

178 329
76 427

70 108
(81 314)
(6 701)
(15)

(17 922)

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175

ABBREVIATIONS AND 
DEFINITIONS

CONTACT DETAILS  
AND ADVISERS

ABF

AGM

AIFR

AV

Asset Based Finance Facility

Annual General Meeting

All injury frequency rate

Alluvial Ventures (a third-party contractor)

Basotho

Lesotho nationals

BT

BVI

BWP

CAGR

CEO

CGU

CO2e
cpht

CSI

CSR

DTR

EBITDA

ECL

EPS

ESOP

EU

EY

FCA

FRC

FTSE

GHG

GRI

ha

HSSE

IAS

Business Transformation

British Virgin Islands

Botswana pula

Compound annual growth rate

Chief Executive Officer

Cash-generating unit

Carbon dioxide equivalent

Carats per hundred tonnes

Corporate social investment

Corporate social responsibility

Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation

Expected credit loss

Earnings per share

Employee Share Option Plan

European Union

Ernst & Young

Financial Conduct Authority

Financial Reporting Council

Financial Times Stock Exchange

Greenhouse gas

Global Reporting Initiative

Hectare

Health, safety, social and environment

International Accounting Standards

IFRS

ISO

IT

JIBAR

KPI

LIBOR

LoM

LCRA

LSL

LTI

LTIFR

LTIP

International Financial Reporting Standards

International Organization for Standardization

Information technology

Johannesburg Interbank Agreed Rate

Key performance indicator

London Interbank Offered Rate

Life of mine

Lesotho Revenue Authority

Lesotho loti

Lost time injury

Lost time injury frequency rate

Long-term incentive plan

Net cash/ 
(debt)

The sum of cash and cash equivalents less 
drawn down bank facilities (excluding 
asset-based finance facility)

PAC

RCF

SEIAs

SDGs

STIB

Project affected community

Revolving credit facility

Social and environmental impact 
assessments

Sustainable Development Goals

Short-term incentive bonus 

The Board

The Gem Diamonds Board of Directors

The Group

The Gem Diamonds Company and its 
subsidiaries

TSR

UK

UN

US$

Total shareholder return

United Kingdom

United Nations

United States dollar

USA/US

United Stated of America

VAT

WACC

Value added tax

Weighted average cost of capital

Gem Diamonds Limited
Registered office
2nd Floor, Coastal Building
Wickhams Cay II
PO Box 2221
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands

Financial adviser and sponsor Auditors
JPMorgan Cazenove Limited
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7588 2828
F: +44 (0) 20 7155 9000

Ernst & Young Incorporated
102 Rivonia Road
Sandton
2146
South Africa
T: +27 (0) 11 772 3000

Head office
2 Eaton Gate
London SW1W 9BJ
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 203 043 0280
F: +44 (0) 203 043 0281

Legal adviser
Linklaters
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7456 2000
F: +44 (0) 20 7456 2222

Feedback
Gem Diamonds Limited
Glenn Turner
T: +44 (0) 203 043 0280

Financial advisers
Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place, Level 12
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
F: +44 (0) 20 3100 2099

Panmure Gordon & Co.
One New Change
London EUM 9AF
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 7886 2500

Financial public relations adviser
Celicourt Communications
Adam House
7 – 10 Adam Street, The Strand
London WC2N 6AA
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7520 9265

Welcome • Strategic review • Performance review • Governance • Financial statementsGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020176176

177

Gem_Diamonds_Annual_Financial_Statements_2020_15004_20210310_V07_SM_07h45

REPORT ON 
PAYMENTS TO 
GOVERNMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Gem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020

REPORT ON PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENTS CONTINUED

INTRODUCTION
This  report  provides  an  overview  of  the  payments  made  to 
governments  by  Gem  Diamonds  Limited  and  its  subsidiaries 
(the Group) for the 31 December 2020 financial year, as required 
under  the  United  Kingdom’s  (UK)  Report  on  Payments  to 
Governments Regulations 2014 (as amended December 2015). 
These UK Regulations enact domestic rules in line with Directive 
2013/34/EU  (the  EU  Accounting  Directive  (2013)  and  apply  
to companies that are involved in extractive activities.

This Report is also filed with the National Storage Mechanism 
intended to satisfy the requirements of the Disclosure Guidance 
and  Transparency  Rules  of  the  Financial  Conduct  Authority  
in the UK.

The Gem Diamonds Limited LEI number is 
213800RC2PGGMZQG8L67.

BASIS FOR PREPARATION

Reporting entities
This  report  includes  payments  to  governments  made  by 
subsidiaries  in  the  Group  that  are  engaged  in  extractive 
activities. During the 2020 financial reporting period, extractive 
activities  were  conducted  in  Lesotho  while  the  operation  in 
Botswana was under care and maintenance. All payments made 
in  relation  to  the  Botswana  entity  were  under  the  materiality 
level and therefore not reported. 

Extractive activities
Extractive  activities  relate  to  the  exploration,  prospection, 
discovery, development and extraction of minerals, oil, natural 
gas  deposits  or  other  materials.  Gem  Diamonds  Limited, 
through its subsidiaries, is engaged in diamond mining activities.

Scope of payments
The report discloses only those significant payments made to 
governments arising from extractive activities.

Government
Government includes any national, regional, or local authority of 
a country. It includes a department, agency or undertaking (ie 
corporation) controlled by that authority.

Payment types disclosed at legal entity level

Production entitlements

There  were  no  payments  of  this  nature  for  the  year  ended  
31 December 2020.

Taxes

These  are  payments  on  the  entity’s  income,  production,  or 
profits,  excluding  taxes  levied  on  consumption  such  as  value 
added taxes, personal  income taxes or sales taxes in line with 
in-country legislation.

Royalties

These are payments for the right to extract diamonds and are 
determined  on  percentage  of  sales  in  terms  of  in-country 
legislation and/or mining lease agreements.

Dividends

These  are  dividend  payments,  other  than  dividends  paid  to  a 
government as an ordinary shareholder of an entity unless paid 
in  lieu  of  production  entitlements  or  royalties. There  were  no 
dividend payments of this nature to governments for the year 
ended 31 December 2020.

Signature, discovery, and production bonuses

There were no payments of this nature to governments for the 
year ended 31 December 2020.

Licence fees

These  are  fees  paid  for  acquisition  of  leases  and  licences, 
including annual renewal fees, in order to obtain and maintain 
access to the areas in which extractive activities are performed. 

Payments for infrastructure improvements

There were no payments of this nature to governments for the 
year ended 31 December 2020.

Cash flow basis
Payments reported are on a cash flow basis and may differ to 
amounts reported in the Gem Diamonds Limited 2020 Annual 
Report and Accounts, which are prepared on an accrual basis.

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020178

179

179

REPORT ON PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENTS CONTINUED

Materiality level
In line with the guidance provided in the Report on Payments to 
Governments Regulations, payments made as a single payment, 
or as a series of related payments, that are equal to or exceed 
US$110 000 (£86 000), are disclosed in this report. All payments 
below this threshold have been excluded.

Reporting currency
The payments to government have been reported in US dollar.

Payments  made  in  currencies  other  than  US  dollar  were 
translated at the relevant annual average rate for the year ended 
31 December 2020.

ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION

SUMMARY REPORT

Operation

Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary) Limited

Total

Lesotho 
Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary) Limited

Lesotho Revenue Authority

Government of Kingdom of Lesotho

Country

Lesotho

Taxes
US$’000

Royalties
US$’000

Licence fee
US$’000

(8 707)1

(8 707

18 236

18 236

144

144

Taxes
US$’000

(8 707)

Royalties
US$’000

Licence fee
US$’000

–

–

18 236

–

144

1  Letšeng Diamonds (Proprietary) Limited was in a net refund position during the year due to refunds on income taxes received which was paid in 2019.

Total
US$’000

9 673

9 673

Total
US$’000

(8 707)

18 380

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Report on payments • Additional information

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020180

181

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

AGM

AIFR

AV

Annual General Meeting

All injury frequency rate

Alluvial Ventures (a third-party contractor)

Basotho

Lesotho nationals

BEPS

BT

BWP

CAGR

CEO

CI

CLO

CO2e

cpht

CSI

CSR

CSRI

DTR

Basic earnings per share

Business Transformation

Botswana pula

Compound annual growth rate

Chief Executive Officer

Continuous Improvement

Community Liaison Officer

Carbon dioxide equivalent

Carats per hundred tonnes

Corporate social investment

Corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility investment

Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules

EBITDA

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation  
and amortisation

EPS

ESG

ESOP

EU

EY

FCA

FRC

FTSE

GDIP

GHG

GRI

Earnings per share

Environmental, social and governance

Employee Share Option Plan

European Union

Ernst & Young

Financial Conduct Authority

Financial Reporting Council

Financial Times Stock Exchange

Gem Diamonds incentive plan

Greenhouse gas

Global Reporting Initiative

ha

HSSE

IAS

IFRS

ISO

JIBAR

KPI

LIBOR

LoM

LSL

LTI

LTIFR

LTIP

Net cash/ 
(debt)

PAC

PPE

RCF

SEIAs

STIB

Hectare

Health, safety, social and environment

International Accounting Standards

International Financial Reporting Standards

International Organization for Standardization

Johannesburg Interbank Agreed Rate

Key performance indicator

London Interbank Offered Rate

Life of mine

Lesotho loti

Lost time injury

Lost time injury frequency rate

Long-term incentive plan

The sum of cash and cash equivalents  
less drawndown bank facilities (excluding 
asset-based finance facility and insurance 
premium financing)

Project-affected community

Personal protective equipment

Revolving credit facility

Social and environmental impact assessments

Short-term incentive bonus 

The Board

The Gem Diamonds Board of Directors

The Group

The Gem Diamonds Company and its 
subsidiaries

TSR

UK

US$

Total shareholder return

United Kingdom

United States dollar

USA/US

United Stated of America

VAT

Value added tax

CONTACT DETAILS AND ADVISERS

GEM DIAMONDS LIMITED

FINANCIAL ADVISER AND 

AUDITORS

SPONSOR
JPMorgan Cazenove Limited
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7588 2828
F: +44 (0) 20 7155 9000

Ernst & Young Incorporated
102 Rivonia Road
Sandton
2146
South Africa
T: +27 (0) 11 772 3000

FINANCIAL PUBLIC RELATIONS 
ADVISER
Celicourt Communications
Adam House
7 – 10 Adam Street, The Strand
London WC2N 6AA
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7520 9265

FINANCIAL ADVISERS
Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place, Level 12
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 3100 2000
F: +44 (0) 20 3100 2099

Panmure Gordon & Co.
One New Change
London EUM 9AF
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 7886 2500

Registered office
2nd Floor, Coastal Building
Wickhams Cay II
PO Box 2221
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands

HEAD OFFICE
2 Eaton Gate
London SW1W 9BJ
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 203 043 0280
F: +44 (0) 203 043 0281

LEGAL ADVISER
Linklaters
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 7456 2000
F: +44 (0) 20 7456 2222

FEEDBACK
Gem Diamonds Limited
Glenn Turner
T: +44 (0) 203 043 0280
E: IR@gemdiamonds.com

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020182

183

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

DIRECTORS’ AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT CVs

Non-Executive Directors

Appointed to the Board in June 2017 

Appointed to the Board in January 2018

Skills and experience
Harry has over 38 years of experience in the mining industry, principally with Rio 
Tinto. He is a geologist by training and his experience spans operations, marketing, 
projects,  finance  and  business  development.  He  has  worked  in  South  Africa, 
Australia  and  the  UK.  Until  2015,  Harry  was  a  member  of  the  Group  executive 
committee of Rio Tinto, where he held the roles of CEO of Energy and before that 
CEO  of  Diamonds  and  Minerals.  Prior  to  this  he  variously  led  Rio  Tinto’s  global 
titanium dioxide business, was CEO of Rio Tinto’s listed subsidiary, Energy Resources 
of  Australia  Limited,  was  general  manager  of  operations  at  Palabora  Mining 
Company in South Africa and held senior marketing roles in copper, uranium and 
industrial minerals. He began his career as an underground geologist with Anglo 
American on the gold mines in South Africa.

Current external appointments
Harry is currently a senior adviser to McKinsey & Co.

Harry is a member of the advisory board of Schenck Process AG; a non-executive director 
of Sibanye-Stillwater; and a non-executive director of several private companies.

HARRY KENYON-SLANEY (60)

Independent non-Executive Chairperson

BSc Geology (Southampton University), 
International Executive Programme  
(INSEAD France)

Chairperson tenure <9 years 

No independence conflict exists

Chairperson

  Member

  Member

Appointed  to  the  Board  in  December  2015;  appointed  Senior  Independent  
Director in November 2017

Skills and experience
Michael spent a 38-year career with Ernst & Young (EY), having led its Global Oil and 
Gas, UK IPO and Global Oil and Gas and Mining transaction advisory practices. He 
was a member of EY’s assurance Practice from 1974 to 1996, when he transferred to 
the Transaction Advisory Practice. He was also UK Alumni sponsor and a member of 
the firm’s Europe, Middle East, India, and Africa and Global Advisory Councils. He 
retired from EY as a partner in 2012 and continued as a consultant to the firm until 
November 2013.

MICHAEL LYNCH-BELL (67)

Independent non-Executive Director

BA Hons Economics and Accountancy 
(University of Sheffield); FCA of the Institute of 
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Current external appointments
Michael is currently deputy chair and senior independent non-executive director at 
Kaz Minerals Plc; chair of the audit and remuneration committees at Lenta Limited; 
chair  of  Little  Green  Pharma  Ltd;  and  non-executive  director  and  chair  of  the 
remuneration committee of Barloworld Limited.

Tenure <9 years 

Committee icons

  Audit

Chairperson

Chairperson

Member

Remuneration

  Nominations

Sustainability

Skills and experience
Mike has over 36 years’ experience in the resources industry in operational, senior 
management and director roles. He spent six years in Switzerland as the managing 
director  technical  at  Pala,  where  he  oversaw  all  technical  aspects  of  the  mining 
sector  investments,  including  the  risks  associated  with  resource  performance, 
project management, ramp-up, operations, and the associated working capital and 
financial controls. Prior to joining Pala, Mike spent 21 years with De Beers in southern 
Africa in various roles, culminating in the post of chief operating officer where he 
was  accountable  for  five  operating  mines,  including  greenfield  and  brownfield 
growth  projects.  He  also  managed  the  restructuring  at  De  Beers  Consolidated 
Mines  in  2005/2006  and  again  in  2009.  Mike  has  overseen  growth  projects  and 
building of mines in Namibia, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Vietnam and USA.

Current external appointments
Mike is currently a non-executive director of Nevada Copper.

Chairperson

Member

Member

Member

Appointed Chief Operating Officer in June 2016; Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 
May 2018; Executive Director to the Board in July 2018; non-Executive Director from 
September 2018

Skills and experience
Johnny is a mining engineer with broad mining experience in both open pit and 
underground operations across southern, central and east Africa, Chile and Australia. 
Johnny has worked in a number of different commodities including iron ore, copper, 
cobalt, gold and diamonds. He has held senior operational management roles in 
large mining companies, including De Beers, AngloGold Ashanti and BHP Billiton. 
Since starting his career 26 years ago, Johnny has gained experience in exploration, 
feasibility studies, opening new mines and running mines.

Current external appointments
Johnny is currently a non-executive director of Zanaga Iron Ore Co. Limited.

MIKE BROWN (60)

Independent non-Executive Director

BSc Engineering; Mining PR Eng (ECSA) 
Engineering (University of Witwatersrand); 
Strategic Executive Programme (London 
Business School)

Tenure <9 years 

JOHNNY VELLOZA (50)

Non-Executive Director

BSc Mining and Mineral Engineering (University 
of Johannesburg), BSc Business/Commerce 
General (University of South Africa)

Member

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
 
 
184

185

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

Appointed to the Board in July 2019

Appointed to the Board in April 2013

Skills and experience
Mazvi  has  over  21  years’  experience  in  senior  management  positions,  including 
leading roles in the mining sector, having served as the resident director and chief 
executive officer of Letšeng Diamonds Proprietary Limited until 2017. Furthermore, 
Mazvi was also the founder and president of the Lesotho Chamber of Mines (2016). 
Prior  to  her  work  in  the  mining  industry,  Mazvi  was  involved  in  the  Ministry  of 
Natural Resources and the Central Bank of Lesotho, where she was the senior legal 
counsel for each of these entities.

Since joining the Board, Mazvi has been appointed as the designated non-Executive 
Director for workforce engagement. 

Current external appointments
Mazvi is currently a non-executive director of First National Bank Lesotho Limited 
and a non-executive director of several private companies

Member

Founded Gem Diamonds in July 2005

Skills and experience
Clifford  joined  Anglo  American  Corporation  in  1986  and  was  seconded  to  
E  Oppenheimer  &  Son  Proprietary  Limited  as  Harry  Oppenheimer’s  personal 
assistant in 1988. In 1990, he was appointed managing director of E Oppenheimer 
& Son, a position he held until leaving in December 2004. During that time, Clifford 
was  also  a  director  of  Central  Holdings,  Anglo  American  and  DB  Investments. 
Following  the  privatisation  of  De  Beers  in  2000,  Clifford  served  on  the  De  Beers 
executive committee.

Current external appointments
Clifford is currently the non-executive chairperson of Zanaga Iron Ore Co. Limited.

MAZVI MAHARASOA (51)

Non-Executive Director

BLLM International and Commercial Law 
(University of Buckingham)

Executive Directors

CLIFFORD ELPHICK (60)

Chief Executive Officer

BCom (University of Cape Town);  
BCompt Hons (University of South Africa)

Committee icons

  Audit

Remuneration

  Nominations

Sustainability

Skills and experience
Michael has over 21 years’ experience in financial management. He joined the audit 
firm  RSM  Betty  &  Dickson  in  Johannesburg,  South  Africa  in  January  1993  and 
became  audit  partner  at  the  firm  in  March  2000.  From  August  2006  to  February 
2008 Michael was seconded to Gem Diamonds Limited to assist with the financial 
aspects of the main London listing, including the financial reporting, management 
accounting  and  tax  relating  to  the  initial  public  offering.  In  March  2008  Michael 
joined  Gem  Diamonds  on  a  full-time  basis  as  the  Group  Financial  Manager.  
On  2  April  2013  he  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  Chief  Financial  Officer  and 
appointed to the Board.

Current external appointments
None

Served on the Board from April 2008 to November 2017

Skills and experience
Glenn  was  called  to  the  Johannesburg  Bar  in  1987,  where  he  spent  14  years 
practising as an advocate specialising in general commercial and competition law 
and took silk in 2002. Glenn was appointed De Beers’ first general counsel in 2002 
and was also a member of its executive committee. He was responsible for a number 
of  key  initiatives  during  his  tenure,  including  overseeing  De  Beers’  re-entry  into  
the USA.

Current external appointments
Glenn  is  currently  a  non-executive  director  of  Agribiomed  Limited  and  Lineout 
Holdings Limited. 

Skills and experience
Brandon joined Gem Diamonds from Clifford Chance LLP, one of the world’s leading 
international law firms. Practising in New York and London, he specialised in debt 
and  equity  capital  markets  and  corporate  finance.  Brandon  gained  extensive 
commercial and legal experience in international corporate and finance transactions 
working  for  clients  such  as  Citigroup,  UBS,  JPMorgan  Chase,  ABN  Amro,  Bank  of 
America, Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley. He also gained valuable experience 
in stock exchange listings in London, Luxembourg and New York and in the UKLA 
(UK)  and  SEC  (USA)  rules  and  regulations.  At  Gem  Diamonds,  Brandon  has  been 
responsible for numerous corporate and financial transactions and has managed 
the Group’s Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing division. In 2017 he was appointed 
as  the  Group  Transformation  Officer,  and  in  2019  was  appointed  as  the  Group 
Operations and Business Transformation Executive.

Current external appointments
None

MICHAEL MICHAEL (50)

Chief Financial Officer

BCom Hons (Rand Afrikaans University); CA(SA)

Executive Management

GLENN TURNER (60)

Chief Legal and Commercial Officer  
and Company Secretary
BA; LLB (University of Cape Town);  
LLM (Cambridge)

BRANDON DE BRUIN (49)

Group Operations and Business 
Transformation Executive 
BCom; LLB (University of the Witwatersrand); 
Attorney (South Africa) and Solicitor  
(England and Wales)

Strategic report • Performance review • Governance • Financial statements • Payments to governments • Additional informationGem Diamonds Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2020 
 
 
GEM DIAMONDS LIMITED

2nd Floor, Coastal Building, Wickham’s Cay II, PO Box 2221, Road Town, 
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Registration number: 669758
www.gemdiamonds.com

GREYMATTERFINCH # 15004