Encouraging Signs from Exploration at Marsfontein
June 02, 20
(IDEX Online) - Bulk sampling at Marsfontein, South Africa, has yielded encouraging results, according to the exploration company Botswana Diamonds.
It has recovered a total of 111 macro diamonds, mostly from high-interest kimberlite, but also from dumped kimberlitic material left from previous mining activity.
The company, which expanded from Botswana into South Africa and Zimbabwe, says the results are in line with previous estimates and diamond recoveries from the nearby Klipspringer diamond mine.
It hopes to pursue further exploratory work at Marsfontein, in Limpopo Province, as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow travel to the area.
It says 87 macro diamonds were recovered from the fresh kimberlite giving a modelled grade of 50cpht.
And 24 macro diamonds were recovered from Dump E giving a modelled grade of 16cpht. Headline grades are quoted at a +1.5 mm screen bottom size cut off.
"Proof of the fresh kimberlite grade paves the way for further exploration work on Marsfontein to target potential blows," said James Campbell, managing director.
"Options will be investigated on exploitation of the dumps once the nationwide lock down in South Africa is lifted and a sense of normality returns to diamond markets, post the global Covid-19 pandemic crisis."
Pic courtesy Botswana Diamonds