With its Capricorn sapphire mine in Queensland, Australia, now operational, Richland Resources Ltd. says it has appointed its first two “Sightholders” — Royal Touch LLC and China StoneCo. Ltd.
Royal Touch LLC has had a long and successful working relationship with Richland and was previously a Sightholder for Richland’s tanzanite mining operations in Tanzania. It has an extensive consumer network, especially in the US and has close relationships with certain television sales networks. Royal Touch has also signed an exclusive sales agreement for Richland’s heat-treated green sapphires.
According to Richland, China Stone Co. Ltd. cuts and polishes a wide range of natural gemstones to fine jewellers, watchmakers and luxury trade professionals throughout the world.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of China Stone and Royal Touch as our first Sightholders for Capricorn Sapphire and the exclusivity and supply agreement with Royal Touch,” said Richland CEO Bernard Olivier.
He added, “We look forward to taking our ethically-mined, fully-compliant and conflict-free sapphires to the world’s markets through these and similar partnerships going forward.”