Hein le Riche has resigned from his position as CEO of Kimberley Consolidated Mining (KCM). According to Jewelry Biz-News, the resignation stems from le Riche’s intention to focus on negotiations with China National Geological and Mining (HK) on the diamond mining company’s behalf.

The diamond mining company stated that concluding a deal with the Chinese mining company would lead to a diversification of KCM’s interests beyond diamond mining. Phemelo Sehunelo, a company director, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is found. Le Riche will continue to be an executive director on KCM’s board of directors.

KCM owns the Bo-Karoo Mining Development Project, where diamond mining was suspended due to the global economic crisis, in addition to several diamond exploration projects in South Africa.