Month

March 2020

COVID-19 Update

The turmoil stemming from COVID-19 patently represents one of the most serious challenges faced by many companies globally. Gemfields is no exception and a significant detrimental impact on its operations, revenues and business is inevitable during 2020 and possibly beyond.

Delay in the publication of Gemfields’ Audited Financial Statements

Gemfields shareholders are advised that there will be a delay in the publication of the Company’s audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2019 (“2019 Results”). The Company has been advised by its auditors BDO LLP (“BDO”) that, given the developments and prevailing circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the audit process in relation to the Board’s going concern assessment and associated disclosures requires more time in order for a conclusion to be reached.

Trading Statement and COVID-19 Update

In accordance with paragraph 3.4(b) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, Gemfields is reasonably certain that its net profit after tax will be USD 39.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 compared to a net loss after tax of USD 60.4 million for the year ended 31 December 2018. In ZAR terms, the net profit after tax is expected to be ZAR 565 million (ZAR 801 million net loss after tax for the comparative year).

Disclosure of beneficial interests in securities

In compliance with paragraph 3.83(b) of the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are advised that Gemfields has received formal notification from Rational Expectations (Pty) Ltd (“Rational”) on 13 March 2020, that Rational and related parties acquired a beneficial interest in the ordinary shares of the Company, such that the total beneficial interest in ordinary shares of the Company held by Rational is now 5.62% of the total issued shares of the Company.

Confirmation of total issued shares in the Company

Gemfields announces that it has completed the cancellation and de-listing from trading of a total number of 96,381,488 ordinary shares of USD 0.00001 each (“Ordinary Shares”) in the share capital of the Company (the “Cancelled Shares”), leaving the Company with a total of 1,171,068,757 Ordinary Shares in issue.