25th Sep 2018 14:00
LONDON (Alliance News) - Botswana Diamonds PLC said on Tuesday that following historical research work on the Free State project in South Africa, it has conducted rock sampling and geochemistry tests to map the potential of the area.
Testing has revealed the presence of eight kimberlites that exhibit geochemistry similar to those produced in the Kimberley and Koffiefontein mines. Detailed ground geophysics have produced minimum sizes for the two clusters of eight kimberlite pipes of between 0.3 and 1.2 hectares.
Mineral chemistry work was then undertaken to rank the kimberlites concerning diamond bearing potential, with several showing high interest. As a result, Botswana Diamonds said it feel justified in moving towards a phased drilling programme.
"The Free State story is a fascinating one. Starting from document archives from well over a hundred years ago where some of these kimberlites were diamond producers to modern exploration using whole rock geochemistry, kimberlite mineral chemistry through to detailed ground geophysics. The next step is clearly drilling to determine the kimberlites current commerciality. I look forward to providing further updates regarding the drilling programme in due course," said Chairman John Teeling.
Shares in Botswana Diamonds were up 5.3% at 1.00 pence on Tuesday.
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