Botswana Diamonds recovers over 100 diamonds from Marsfontein bulk sampling

More than 100 macro diamonds were recovered from the bulk sample.

The fresh kimberlite was identified as originating from the M8 dyke system, which extends to the Klipspringer diamond mine about 11 km to the west and the company’s Thorny River project about 5 km to the east.

The Dump E material was predominantly a mix of M8 kimberlite and dolerite.

Both samples were treated at Eurafrican Diamond Corporation’s processing facility, and were subjected to primary and secondary crushing, pan plant concentration, grease and X-ray recovery and jigging with a nominal bottom cut-off of +1.7 mm. These tailings have been retained for future analyses, as required.

The grade modelling was undertaken by Interlaced Consulting, which assumed a conventional kimberlite processing plant, including a re-crush circuit to recover more finer diamonds.

Modelled results determined are in line with previous estimates and diamond recoveries from the nearby Klipspringer diamond mine.

Botswana Diamonds MD James Campbell says the fresh kimberlite grade paves the way for further exploration work on Marsfontein to target potential blows. Work will restart at Marsfontein and Thorny River as soon as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted to enable travel to the work areas.