Botswana Diamonds, in an update on the Company's exploration activities in South Africa, outlined the current situation at all three of its projects there.

The Companyhas beenawarded the concession for Mooikloof, which is a 2.5-hectare diamondiferous kimberlite close to De Beers’ Venetia Mine; and adjacent to the Oaks mine which was earlier successfully operated by De Beers.

Mooikloof was last prospected in 1986, the Company stated, and added: “Based on our experience elsewhere, we suspect that past explorers may have systematically under-estimated the kimberlite pipe size, grade and diamond quality of the Mooikloof kimberlite.  We will deploy state-of-the-art exploration techniques to reassess the Mooikloof kimberlite, and maybe open another by-passed kimberlite pipe development.”

Meanwhile, Botswana Diamonds has completedthe Technical and Economic Study on Thorny River and is now evaluating its options for the project.

The Technical Economic Evaluation Report (TEE Report) shows that the deposit is between 1.2 and 2 million tons, with the grade being between 46 and 74 cpht; while carat values are estimated between US$ 120 and US$ 220 per carat.  

Based on the TEE Report, the Company has concluded that the Thorny River Project “requires further investigation”. Hence, along with the exploration at the project, the Botswana Diamonds Board is evaluating “various technical and commercial options”.

Drilling at the third site has revealed that the Ontevreden kimberlite pipe is smaller than expected.  “No further work is warranted, as we have higher potential targets,” the Company concluded.