ALROSA’s geologists have identified three of the four sites at the Malo-Botuobinsky license area studied during the Vilyui Exploration Expedition as being “promising” and predict the presence of kimberlite body clusters and individual kimberlite bodies there comparable to the known kimberlite bodies of Malo-Botuobinsky diamondiferous area.

The geologists have recommended further evaluation and survey work to access the kimberlites, which according to preliminary estimates, have forecast diamond resources of 17.9 million carats.

The expedition has operated within four sites in Nizhne-Botuobinskaya area: Ulukhan-Kurung-Yuryakh, Choppo-Biettakhsky, Maar-Siene and Kuchchugui-Irelyakhsky since 2014. It was tasked with identifying local areas for detailed prospecting to block out kimberlite bodies and to clarify their geological structure as well as a structural and tectonic framework. They were also expected to assess forecasted mineral resources should diamondiferous objects be identified in any of the areas.

After general study of all the geological and geophysical information about this territory, prospecting was carried out using magnetic and electric exploration, high-frequency seismic surveys and verification of geophysical anomalies using the core drilling method. The geologists studied more than 200 thousand square meters.

“Three promising sites have been localized in the studied territory, predicting the presence of kimberlite body clusters and individual kimberlite bodies comparable to the known kimberlite bodies of Malo-Botuobinsky diamondiferous area. Preliminary estimates indicate that forecast diamond resources are 17.9 million carats. It is recommended to continue prospect evaluation survey to access kimberlite rock,” ALROSA Chief Geologist Konstantin Garanin said.

Detecting new diamond deposits in Nizhne-Botuobinskaya area will make a significant contribution to the development of ALROSA’s mineral resource base and in the longer run will support financial, economic and social situation in the region, the Company noted.