18th Oct 2005 16:08
New Meta-Kimberlites Discovery Within the Kango Diamond Project in Gabon, Central Africa Shares issued and outstanding: 112,279,101 TSX: SDM AIM: SRE TORONTO, ON, and LONDON, UK, Oct. 18 /CNW/ - SouthernEra Diamonds Inc.("SouthernEra") (TSX: SDM, AIM: SRE) today reported the discovery of two newmeta-kimberlites within its 100% owned Kango diamond exploration permit area.This brings the number of kimberlites and meta-kimberlites discovered bySouthernEra in Gabon to 34, of which four are located in the Kango region. SouthernEra Diamonds has actively explored for diamonds in Gabon since1999, initially targeting the Kango area based on the area having unexplainedalluvial diamond occurrences and also being proximal to the Mitzic meta-kimberlite discoveries. SouthernEra's reconnaissance exploration program(completed in 2002) and subsequent follow-up sampling yielded abundant amountsof the high interest kimberlitic indicator mineral spinel as well as a singleG10 garnet. Historic data relating to the Kango permit records one 1.25 caratyellow diamond, and 97 white diamonds (totaling 12.9 carats) recovered fromthe positive exploration drainage basins within which SouthernEra hasdiscovered meta-kimberlites. The most recent discoveries come from twoseparate areas of the Kango permit area. The meta-kimberlite Obooue-001 is adyke at least 1m wide. Its strike extent (north-west) is currently unknown,but expected to be about two kilometres. The meta-kimberlite Komo-003 is adyke at least 3m wide. In 2004, SouthernEra discovered two thin meta-kimberlite dykes (Komo-001 and Komo-002) in the Kango region. Commenting on the new discoveries, SouthernEra's Senior Vice PresidentExploration, Howard Bird, said: "These new discoveries highlight the recentexploration success we are currently enjoying both in Gabon and the DemocraticRepublic of Congo. We are continuing to receive positive results after anumber of years of intensive exploration and are now entering the evaluationphase in Gabon. We know that Gabon has high value alluvial diamonds; it is nowa question of us finding the bodies with the right economics. Indications arethat 2006 will be a decisive year for SouthernEra in Gabon on the diamondfront." In addition to Kango, SouthernEra has three other diamond explorationprojects in Gabon; the 100% owned Sud project, the 95% owned M'bigou project,and a 60% interest in the Makongonio JV project. The exploration team iscurrently following-up on numerous stream sample kimberlitic indicator spinelanomalies within the Makongonio JV permit. This permit has historicallyproduced the highest value and largest stone size alluvial diamonds in Gabon,with gem-quality diamonds of over 50 carats being recovered. In late 2004,eight meta-kimberlite bodies were discovered by SouthernEra within this permitarea, including the first known pipe (approximately 1 hectare in size) inGabon. Some of the dyke-like bodies have widths up to 21m, and sit within meta-kimberlite structural emplacement corridors up to 15km in length. Twobodies tested for micro-diamonds in 2004 were diamondiferous. Additional meta-kimberlite discoveries are expected at Makongonio before the end of theyear. All recently discovered bodies will be tested for micro-diamonds. Thosethat return positive results will be mini-bulk sampled in 2006 in an attemptto recover macro-diamonds. A 10-ton mini-bulk sample has commenced on one ofthe bodies at Makongonio, and will be treated within the next six months aspart of the ongoing evaluation program. Mr. Uwe Naeher, Professional Geologist, is the qualified person, underNI 43-101, responsible for the technical information in this release. Thesamples for microdiamond recovery were analyzed using SGS Lakefields standardcaustic fusion diamond recovery method. SGS Lakefield is accredited by theStandards Council of Canada to the ISO 17025 standard for specific registeredtests. Gabon is one of six countries in which SouthernEra is engaged inextensive diamond exploration. Others are Canada, Australia, the DRC,Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The Company also maintains an 18 percent free-carried interest in the Camafuca Diamond Project in Angola and operates theKlipspringer Diamond Mine in South Africa. Some statements contained in this news release are forward-looking and,therefore, involve uncertainties or risks that could cause actual results todiffer materially. Such forward-looking statements include comments regardingexploration work. Actual results could differ materially from thoseanticipated. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-lookingstatements. For further information: SouthernEra Diamonds Inc., Howard Bird, SeniorVice President Exploration, or Sharon Allan, Investor Relations, Telephone:(416) 359-9282, Fax: (416) 359-9141, E-mail: inbox(at)southernera.com,www.southernera.com; London Contact: Carina F. Corbett, 4C-Burvale Ltd,44 (0) 20 7907 4761, 44 (0) 20 8949 7171, 07785 258 173,corbett(at)4c-burvale.co.uk (SDM. SRE)ENDSOUTHERNERA DIAMONDS INCRelated Shares:
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