Botswana Diamonds to begin drilling following exploration work

Botswana Diamonds updated the market on the latest exploration programme on the Marsfontein and Thorny River diamond properties on Monday, which it said had identified a number of drillable targets.

The AIM-traded firm said a mulithole drilling programme was expected to begin within two weeks.

A number of geophysical techniques and technologies were applied including gravity, electromagnetics, magnetics and ground penetrating radar, the board explained.

Out of the 10 areas surveyed, the findings identified four target areas, including a potential blow of up to 0.25 hectares, and swells in the kimberlite dyke system of up to 10 metres.

“This phase of exploration on Thorny River and Marsfontein was designed to identify potential ‘blows’ and swells on kimberlite veins,” said chairman John Teeling.

“We have identified four likely targets, one blow, and three swells - these will be drilled in the coming weeks.

“Some of the kimberlite pipes in this area contain very high diamond grades.”

At 1318 GMT, shares in Botswana Diamonds were up 10.69% at 0.72p.