Freetown: The government of Sierra Leone has pushed back the schedule for selling a 709.41-carat rough diamond to give bidders more time to take part.
Potential buyers can view the diamond until May 10 at the Bank of Sierra Leone in Freetown, the government said last week. The opportunity to make an offer will start on May 11, and bids will be received and opened in front of all participants on the same day.
The process was previously scheduled to end last Thursday.
“The extension is to give sufficient time for prospective bidders, particularly those outside Sierra Leone, to participate in the bidding process,” the government said.
A local artisanal miner, Pastor Emmanuel A. Momoh, found the diamond last month in the Kono district, and the stone was presented to Sierra Leone’s president.
