Diamonds not forever

PETRA Diamonds has suspended a Tanzanian mine amid a government probe into the country’s mining industry.

Shares in the FTSE 250 firm fell 5¼p to 84¾p after diamonds from its 75 per cent owned Williamson mine were blocked from export to its office in Antwerp.

“Key personnel” from Williamson are being questioned by the authorities, although the company said it had not been informed of the grounds of the action.

Petra said: “All operations related to the mine are conducted in a transparent manner and in full compliance with legislation in Tanzania.”