In an update on the Company's Free State Project in South Africa, Botswana Diamonds said that further research has confirmed that some of the re-discovered Free State kimberlites were diamond producers.

“The potential of the Free State to host further commercial kimberlites was identified following research in various archives into the history of diamond mining in South Africa,” the Company announced. “This research found that in addition to the well documented iconic operations at Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein and Kimberley, a number of smaller diamond mines existed both to the east of Bloemfontein and extending west to Kimberley.”  

The Company noted that not much documentation exists about these – due to various reasons -- but “considerable anecdotal evidence” is available.  However, due to lack of documentation and land record ownership changes, much of the history of the mining attempts in that area has been lost.

“Aerial imagery and ground truthing have partially completed the jigsaw which has enabled the Company to focus its attention on areas within its Koppiesfontein, Poortjie, Swartrandsdam and Tafelbergsdam properties where historic workings and abandoned equipment are clearly evident,” Bostwana Diamonds added.  “Available archived diamond certificates in respect of limited exploration activities around Tafelsbergsdam issued in 1898 disclosed recovery of 111 carats of diamonds valued at approximate £93 each which is estimated by the Company to be in excess of US$300/ct in today's money.”

Whole rock geochemistry and kimberlite mineral chemistry confirms Group 1 kimberlites similar to the iconic Kimberley, Koffiefontein and Jagersfontein diamond mines, Botswana Diamonds reported.

In the meanwhile, the Company has estimated the minimum surface area of kimberlites through detailed ground geophysics; and is planning a drilling programme.

John Teeling, Chairman, Botswana Diamonds commented: "The Free State story is a fascinating one.  Starting from document archives from well over a hundred years ago where some of these kimberlites were diamond producers to modern exploration using whole rock geochemistry, kimberlite mineral chemistry through to detailed ground geophysics.  The next step is clearly drilling to determine the kimberlites’ current commerciality. I look forward to providing further updates regarding the drilling programme in due course."