Botswana Diamonds PLC said that it would soon commence drilling at its site in Orapa where it is beginning an exploration programme with its joint venture partner AK Alrosa OAO. The first drill results are likely to be made available in a month’s time, the company said.

The Botswana team is being assisted by a seven-strong geological team from Alrosa.

Company chairman John Teeling said that the team will carry out a detailed ground geophysics programme in the area of anomaly AN117-1 on Block PL117 to target drill sites, and also a widespread geophysics and ground sampling programme on the company's licences PL206-PL210, which it was awarded in the second quarter.