Curlew Emerald Mine
Acquisition
Western Australia
Summary
GEM Resources (GEMR) is excited to announce the acquisition of the Curlew Emerald Project located in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia.
The Curlew Mine is currently producing emeralds on a small scale with significant potential for expansion. We believe our experience and modern mining technology will help improve yield and unlock the mine's full potential.
The Curlew Emerald Project represents a significant opportunity for Gem Resources to strengthen its market presence and capitalise on the growing demand for traceable, high-quality gemstones. We look forward to the continued development and success of this exciting venture.

The Curlew Mine is located in Western Australia
Project Highlights:
- Active Production: The Curlew Mine is currently producing emeralds on a small scale with significant potential for expansion.
- Historical Significance: Emerald occurrences at Curlew date back to the 1920s. The mine experienced active operations from 1976 to 1981, and recent mining activities have resumed recently on a modest scale.
- Market Advantage: Curlew emeralds can be marketed as traceable, Australian-origin gems, which typically command a premium price.
- Local Demand: Australian emeralds have a strong domestic market, with green beryl prices ranging from US$30 to $100 per kilogram.
- Lithium Potential: The property is adjacent to Eastern Resources, which has identified high-grade lithium deposits. Eastern Resources has expressed interest in exploring the site further, which is compatible with ongoing emerald mining operations.
- A Truly ‘Green’ Gem : stones from the Curlew mine are ethically and environmentally mined, with exceptional value afforded by vertical integration.
- GIA Report : During the 2023 mining season, a successful extraction of gem-quality material occurred from the existing mining pit. GIA in Bangkok conducted a study on a suite of 69 emeralds from this recent production (refer to Figure 1).
Accquisition Highlights
Curlew :
- Infrastructure Included: All existing mining equipment and site infrastructure are part of the acquisition.
- Mining Lease: The project is secured under a valid Mining Lease until May 16, 2044, covering 21.02 hectares with no Native Title claims.
- Location: Located 90 km west of Marble Bar, easily accessible from Woodstock-Marble Bar Road.
- Acquisition Terms: Gemresources (GEMR) has secured a 65% interest through a Share and Purchase Agreement, with an initial payment of A$450,000 (approx. £237,000) and an option to acquire the remaining 35% for A$300,000 (approx. £158,000) in URA shares after 12 months.
Ed Nealon, Chairman:
“We are thrilled to add the Curlew Emerald Mine to our expanding mining portfolio. This acquisition not only solidifies our presence in the emerald mining industry but also aligns with our strategy to invest in high-potential projects with strong growth prospects. The Curlew Mine’s rich history and recent production success are testaments to its significant potential. The mine has huge potential to be scaled-up and expanded and complements our existing emerald mining activities at Gravelotte. This strategic acquisition reinforces GEM Resources commitment to expanding its gemstone mining operations and delivering exceptional value to its stakeholders. We look forward to further developing the Curlew Emerald Project and establishing a robust presence in the emerald market.” July 2024
Additional Information
Technical Aspects of the Curlew Project
The Curlew Mine is known for its emerald deposits, which have been mined intermittently since the 1970s. Recent geological studies and gemmological analysis have confirmed the presence of high-iron schist-hosted emeralds, similar to those found in renowned locations such as Zambia and Brazil.
Mining at the Curlew Emerald Mine has previously been restricted to winter (June – August), when temperatures are around a palatable 20°C. While summers exceed 32°C almost daily, temperatures above a scorching 45°C are not unusual.
Geological Characteristics and Setting
The emeralds from Curlew are associated with feldspar, quartz, and purple fluorite. They form in the contact zone of pegmatite intrusions into mafic rocks. The stones feature unique inclusions, including dark mica crystals, feldspar, fluorite, and short needle-like structures, aiding in their identification. According to the GIA article published in January 2024, these emeralds exhibit characteristics in line with other high-iron schist-hosted emeralds, including those from Zambia and Brazil.
The current exposure of the Curlew Mine consists of diggings running north-south, approximately 500 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, along the eastern flank of a shallow valley. The depth of the orebody is unknown.
Mining Ready
There are currently 400 tons of tailings and 400 tons of ore ready for processing at the mine. The site is adjacent to a fully sealed road and 800 meters from the Mt Webber Iron Ore Mine, providing access to various mine services. The acquisition includes all current infrastructure and equipment on site, including a 3-bedroom house, a 20-tonne excavator, a fully equipped water bore, a new 16Kva generator, and other essential mining equipment.
Mineralisation
The mine features small pegmatites and quartz veins with beryl mineralization, situated between north-south fault splays. Dark mica schists within these veins and pegmatites contain gem-quality emerald crystals and green beryl. The size of these crystals ranges from less than a millimetre to several centimetres in diameter. The emeralds show a well-formed hexagonal outline often coated with dark mica crystals. Chemical and spectroscopic analysis revealed that the emeralds are rich in iron with Chromium-related absorption features and a strong band around 810nm, attributed to the higher iron concentration. The pegmatites comprise quartz-albite with accessory green beryl, scheelite, coarse molybdenite crystals, and fine-grained purple fluorite. Alluvial cassiterite, monazite, formanite, and tauteuxenite are also found on the tenement.
Quality and Nature of Curlew Emeralds
"The emeralds from Curlew are renowned for their vibrant color . Larger stones are occasionally found, such as a notable 10-carat stone from the 2023 production currently valued at US$80,000 on the wholesale market. Most of the recovered gems are small to medium in size. Moreover, there has been enduring interest in the beautifully formed mineral specimens from this mine, with sales of extremely fine crystals tracing back to its early 20th-century production.
During the 2023 mining season, a successful extraction of gem-quality material occurred from the existing mining pit. GIA in Bangkok conducted a study on a suite of 69 emeralds from this recent production (refer to Figure 1). Please refer to the GIA Report for detailed findings."
Terms of the Acquisition:
GEMR plc has entered into a Share and Purchase Agreement with Prasinex Exploration Pty Ltd, which holds a 100% ownership of the Curlew mining licence. The terms of the agreement are:
· An upfront payment of A$450,000 (ca. £237,000) for 65% interest in the Curlew Mine
· An option to acquire the remaining 35% after a 12-month period for an additional A$300,000 (ca. £158,000) in URA shares
Title Information:
· The mining lease covers 21.02 hectares and is valid until 16th May 2044.
· The area has no existing encumbrances or Native Title claims, allowing immediate commencement of mining activities.
The Legacy and Challenges of the Curlew Emerald Mine
Tucked away in the remote Shaw River District of East Pilbara, Western Australia, the Curlew Emerald Mine has consistently beckoned those bold enough to brave its rugged conditions and continues to captivate with its promise of rare, high-quality emeralds.
Historical Roots
The history of the Curlew Emerald Mine stretches back to the early 20th century, enveloped in local lore that hints at emerald discoveries as early as the 1920s. Formal mining activities commenced in earnest in 1976 under the stewardship of Bill Moriarty, a prominent figure in Australian mineral specimen mining. Throughout its history, the mine has changed ownership multiple times as various companies sought to unlock its potential amidst fluctuating yields and operational complexities.
Geological Composition
Nestled within pegmatites composed of Quartz-Albite, the geological makeup of the Curlew Mine stands as a testament to the intricate forces that shape gemstone formation. Emeralds, along with minerals such as Scheelite, Molybdenite, and fine-grained purple Fluorite, are intricately embedded within these formations. Mining has always been open pit.
Contemporary Endeavours
Recent efforts to revitalise the Curlew Emerald Mine have been championed by small, dedicated collectives. Acquiring exclusive mining rights in 2007, one group's efforts culminated in the resumption of active mining operations in 2011. Employing semi-mechanised techniques, miners meticulously extract emeralds directly from their host rock, navigating through small pegmatites and mica schists ensconced within Quartz veins. However, mining operations are limited by the mine's geographical location, where extreme climate swings between scorching summers and more temperate winters restrict year-round activity.