Lucara Hires Strategy Executive

RAPAPORT... Lucara Diamond Corp. has appointed Ayesha Hira as vicepresident for corporate development and strategy. Hira is a former geologist with a background in diamonds,base metals and gold exploration. She later switched to capital markets,focusing on mining companies. In the new role, Hira will oversee growth opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions. She will also assist Lucara CEOEira Thomas with corporate communications and shareholder relations. "As a geologist turned banker, Ms. Hira injects importantskills and experience into our business at the right time," Thomas saidWednesday. "She is ideally suited to leading an assessment of potential growthopportunities for Lucara going forward. She will also play an important role instrengthening our approach to corporate communications and shareholder relationsfor both Lucara and Clara," she added, referring to the digital sales platformthe miner acquired in February. Hira's appointment is effective immediately. She will bebased in Vancouver, Canada.