Botswana Diamonds PLC announced that it would be commencing its first half 2016 exploration programme in Botswana, starting this month. The programme will be managed by its 50% joint venture partner, Alrosa.

The Company has announced three main activities as part of the programme. This includes drilling of one core hole to 300m depth and additional one or two large diameter holes, each 300 metres deep on kimberlite pipe AK21 on PL 260 in the Orapa area. The Company will conduct hard rock and heavy concentrate sampling on PLs 260 and 210 in Orapa and on   four licences in the Gope area. Ground magnetic surveys and electromagnetic (TEM) surveys on PLs 260 and 085 in Orapa; and PLs 135, 136 and 137 in Gope will also be carried out.

The total budget for the exploration programme is estimated at US$ 700,000, of which 50% will be paid by BOD.

"This is a very focused programme,” commented John Teeling, Chairman, Botswana Diamonds. “The wide diameter holes to be drilled on a known kimberlite on our new licence in Orapa, PL 260, are to test whether diamond grades improve at depth. The follow up holes on PL 210 are to investigate local geophysical anomalies (magnetic and electromagnetic) which can be connected with kimberlites.”

He added: “The Gope area is emerging as an attractive diamond province with the Gem owned Ghagoo mine and the Petra owned KX36 discovery.  We have already explored three small licences in the area and found anomalies.  The proposed work will identify drill targets."