3rd Sep 2015 08:31
LONDON (Alliance News) - Botswana Diamonds PLC Thursday said a team of geologists and mineralogists will arrive at its exploration project in the Orapa region of Botswana shortly to conduct a drilling and soil sampling programme.
The company said a seven-strong Russian team will arrive at the exploration project being carried carried out by Botswana Diamonds and its Russian joint venture partner Alrosa in "early September" to undertake a drilling and intensive soil sampling programme on specific areas on licences PL 206, PL 210 and PL 085 in the Orapa region.
During exploration completed in the first half, the company identified a specific target on PL 210 licence. The partners will start a three-hole drilling programme on the licence in the fourth week of September.
"This will begin the next stage in our joint venture programme with Alrosa. The soil sampling results combined with magnetic analyses have identified a specific area in the southwest of licence PL 210. We will drill this area," said Chairman John Teeling.
"Diamond exploration is very high risk, but there is potential for a new kimberlite. Orapa is a world-renowned area for diamond-bearing kimberlites," he added.
Additionally, Botswana Diamonds has three small licences in the nearby Gope region, where the Russian team will head once the programme at Orapa has been completed. If the results at Gope are successful, Botswana said it will also drill there.
Botswana Diamonds shares were up 6.3% to 0.850 pence per share on Thursday morning.
By Joshua Warner; [email protected]; @JoshAlliance
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