International miner Petra Diamonds has reached agreement in principle with the Tanzanian government setting the foundation for sustainable operations at its troubled Williamson openpit mine in the northern Shinhanga province.
The mine recently resumed operations and sales after 18 months on care and maintenance.
After several months of negotiations, delayed by COVID restrictions, the agreement provides for a capital restructuring of operating company Williamson Diamonds, a reduction in Petra’s shareholding from 75% to 63%, provisions for repayment of shareholder loans and a revised economic benefit sharing ratio.
The government will receive 55% comprising shareholder entitlements, taxes and charges.