Botswana Diamonds PLC, providing an update on the new kimberlite discovered at Ontevreden, said that sampling results have pointed to an abundance of “G10, G9 and eclogitic garnets, a mix typically seen in high-grade kimberlite pipes” at the site.

“This work follows detailed ground geophysics which identified a minimum size of 100m x 70m and whole rock geochemistry which characterised Ontevreden as a Group 2 kimberlite,” Botswana Diamonds stated.

The Ontevreden project is part of the Company's Vutomi Joint Venture in South Africa. “The Ontevreden kimberlite pipe is close to Petra Diamonds' Helam Mine, which has grades in excess of 500cpht and a diamond value of US$255/ct at a +1mm bottom cut off,” the Company elaborated.

Once a kimberlite was discovered at the project, sampling work commenced and the material was analysed at the University of Johannesburg. The Company indicated that it would be drilling at the kimberlite later in the year.

John Teeling, Chairman, commented, "The exciting new kimberlite discovery at Ontevreden continues to entice.  Samples from the surface contain significant quantities of G10 and G9 garnets - high quality diamond indicator minerals frequently found at high-grade kimberlite pipes."