Botswana Diamonds announces discovery of kimberlites of up to 1.15 hectares in size

Results from survey work conducted at Botswana Diamond's Free State project, located between Bloemfontein and Kimberley, had indicated that sizes of kimberlites there ranged from 0.3 hectares to 1.15 hectares, the board of Botswana Diamonds announced on Friday.

The survey work, according to the company, was aimed at discovering the surface area of the kimberlites, following the re-discovery of eight Group 1 kimberlites.

The sizes were determined through a combination of magnetic, electromagnetic and gravity geophysical techniques, which resulted in "very strong" images of the footprints of the kimberlites, Frontera explained.

The next phase of work at the Free State project would consist of an analysis of the indicator mineral chemistry for each of the pipes to determine an economic interest rating which will prioritise further work.

John Teeling, chairman, commented, "The re-discovery of 8 kimberlites in a highly prospective diamond area was very positive. We now know the sizes of each pipe/dyke and we believe that each could contain diamonds. The next step is to evaluate the diamond indicator minerals in each pipe to decide priorities for drilling."