Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted on Thursday to ban uranium exploration and mining despite previously issuing licenses to foreign companies such as Canada's Azarga.
Lucara, which has recovered two of the largest diamonds in recent history, is turning to technology to ensure growth in an industry where new mine acquisitions remain elusive.
Among the commitments in the deal, the investor may earn into the option for the project by constructing a $20 million pilot plant for the processing of lithium brine.