The second phase of the programme will have a larger size stope than the first to further define mineralisation.

The first phase was started in March and mined 9,737 tonnes of material, of which 6,396t of mineralised body were identified, 1,800t of which was high-priority washed.

A total 12,845 carats of emeralds were recovered at 7.14 carats per tonne.

In the six months to June 30, Fura earned about US$120,000 from gem sales. 

Fura said the balance of low- to medium-quality emeralds were to be washed before the end of the year and it expected the post-wash blended average to be under 7.14cpt recovered to date.

During the first phase, the exceptional high-quality 25.97ct ÄRE Emerald was discovered in May.

Fura CEO Dev Shetty said the bulk sampling programme had already provided a comprehensive understanding of the geology and possible mining methods.

The December quarter is looking to be a busy one for Fura, with not only the second phase of the bulk sampling programme happening, but work also starting on the pilot wash plant design.

It plans to complete the plant design and the ongoing 2,500m diamond drilling programme to delineate the mineralised zone, as well as release the maiden NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate and scoping study before the end of the year.