The gemstones came from 2,908.8t of basal gravels with an overall target mineral assemblage (TMA) recovered grade of 135.30 carats per hundred tonnes at a bottom screen size of 1mm.

The largest gemstones recovered from the five bulk samples were a 3.9ct sapphire, a 5.26ct Carmel sapphire, a 6.68ct spinel and a 3.61ct garnet.

Shefa said the overall grade had seen a significant increase after an updated TMA to include spinel in the Kishon Mid-Reach placer gemstones assemblage and with the formation of a revised "Gem Box" suite incorporating nine gemstones.

It said the variety of gemstones recovered was consistent with previous bulk sample results, with historical and mini bulk samples in the zone ranging from 10t to 690t each.

The company has so far completed 25 bulk and mini bulk samples, recovering a total of 3,839t of basal gravel and 6,853ct of TMA suite.

CEO Avi Taub said the bulk sampling results of Zone 2, combined with the grade achieved in one, highlighted the potential of the Kishon Mid-Reach deposits.

"The multi-commodity findings, of nine different types of gemstones, collectively make up our Gem Box suite and forms a key part of our mine-to-market strategy," he said.

"Shefa Yamim is already seeing interest in its Gem Box of precious stones as demonstrated by our partnership with world-known jewellery designer, Yossi Harari, who is in the final stages of preparing a collection of unique 24k gold jewellery using Shefa Yamim gemstones."

The company is planning to continue the bulk sampling campaign in the June quarter, which will complete its exploration programme in Zone 2.