Botswana Diamonds PLC Free State Project - Update (7609W)
17 November 2017 - 6:00PM
UK Regulatory
TIDMBOD
RNS Number : 7609W
Botswana Diamonds PLC
17 November 2017
17(th) November 2017
Botswana Diamonds PLC
("Botswana Diamonds" or the "Company")
Free State Project - Update
Highlights:
-- Update on Free State kimberlites
-- Eight kimberlites have sizes between 0.3 and 1.15 hectares
-- Field observations of historic workings suggests that the kimberlites contain diamonds
The Board of Botswana Diamonds (AIM: BOD) is pleased to announce
results from our third ongoing exploration project in South Africa.
The Free State project is situated between Bloemfontein and
Kimberley, the historic centre of the diamond industry, where
kimberlite was first identified.
Following the Company's announcement of 24 October 2017
regarding the re-discovery of eight Group 1 kimberlites, detailed
ground geophysical survey work was undertaken by Geofocus. The
survey work was aimed at determining the surface area of these
kimberlites. Results indicate the sizes of these kimberlites to
range from 0.3 hectares to 1.15 hectares:
-- Tafelsbergdam (1 and 2 combined): 0.3 ha
-- Poortjie: 0.5 ha
-- Koppiesfontein and Buffelsboutfontein: 0.53 ha
-- Warratah (1 and 2 combined): 0.53 ha
-- Zwartrandsdam: 0.75 ha
-- Vlakfontein: 1.15 ha
The above sizes were determined using a combination of magnetic,
electromagnetic and gravity geophysical techniques, which has
resulted in very strong images of the footprints of these
kimberlites.
The kimberlites occur along a northwest to southeast trending
kimberlite feeder system along which the diamond mines of
Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein and Kimberley are located. It is
therefore inferred that the eight kimberlites were formed at the
same time as these mines. Recent whole rock geochemistry shows
similar compositions in the kimberlites to the surrounding mines.
Jagersfontein is renowned for the blue gems it produced, and the
Excelsior (972 carat) and Reitz/Jubilee (651 carat) diamonds
recovered from it are amongst the 10 largest diamonds ever
discovered, while Koffiefontein is renowned for the high-quality
gems it produces.
The next phase of work at the Free State project will consist of
an analysis of the indicator mineral chemistry for each of the
pipes to determine an economic interest rating which will
prioritize further work. This follows field observations of
extensive historical workings which suggest that these kimberlites
are diamondiferous. This is planned for early in 2018.
John Teeling, Chairman, commented, "The re-discovery of 8
kimberlites in a highly prospective diamond area was very positive.
We now know the sizes of each pipe/dyke and we believe that each
could contain diamonds. The next step is to evaluate the diamond
indicator minerals in each pipe to decide priorities for
drilling."
This release has been approved by James Campbell, Managing
Director of Botswana Diamonds plc, a qualified geologist
(Pr.Sci.Nat), a Fellow of the South African Institute of Mining and
Metallurgy, a Fellow of Materials, Minerals and Mining with over
32-years' experience in the diamond sector.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 596/2014.
ENDS
Enquiries:
Botswana Diamonds PLC
John Teeling, Chairman +353 1 833 2833
James Campbell, Managing
Director +27 83 457 3724
Jim Finn, Director
Northland Capital Partners
Limited
David Hignell/Gerry Beaney
(Corporate Finance) +44 (0) 203 861 6625
John Howes (Broking)
Blytheweigh +44 (0) 207 138 3204
Camilla Horsfall +44 (0) 781 784 1793
Nick Elwes +44 (0) 783 185 1855
Teneo PSG
Luke Hogg +353 (0) 1 661 4055
Alan Tyrrell +353 (0) 1 661 4055
www.botswanadiamonds.co.uk
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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