Name of the Project
Thorny River diamond project.

Location
The project is a consolidation of the Frischgewaagt, Hartbeesfontein and Doornrivier properties, in Limpopo, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Botswana Diamonds.

Project Description
Thorny River comprises the eastern extension of the kimberlite dyke and/or pipe systems on which the Klipspringer and Marsfontein mines are located, both of which have been economically mined.

The project has a modelled in situ grade range of 46 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht) to 74 cpht and a diamond value range of $120/ct to $220/ct.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start /End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The first phase of the intensification drilling programme at Botswana Diamonds’ Thorny River prospect has been concluded. 

Eighteen holes have been drilled with 12 intersecting kimberlite. A bulk sampling target of 1.5 km of kimberlite fissure intersection has been identified.

The second phase of the drilling programme, taking place on the farm Frischgewaagt, has started, with three holes drilled so far, all of which have intersected kimberlite. 

The third hole intersected 4.5 m of kimberlite fissure down the hole, which is the thickest section intersected on the project to date. 

This hole has also produced a mantle xenolith (eclogite) – comprising clinopyroxene and garnet – which is indicative of a high diamond content.

The third and final phase of the drilling programme will start once a detailed gravity survey has been concluded over two potential kimberlite blows on the same property.

Botswana Diamonds has noted that the purpose of this new drilling programme is to allow for detailed planning for a bulk sampling programme, which will start on completion of drilling activities and after the necessary regulatory approvals have been received.

Said approvals are expected within the next two months.

Refurbishment of a nearby diamond processing plant to process the bulk sample kimberlite is under way. Work has started on potential secondary (alluvial) diamond deposits in the project area. 

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Botswana Diamonds, tel +353 1 833 2833/+353 1 833 2833, fax +353 1 833 3505 or email info@botswanadiamonds.co.uk.