Botswana Diamonds, which holds exploration licenses in South Africa and Botswana, has secured a prospecting permit for five kimberlite bodies in the Marsfontein region of South Africa, an area known for its diamond-rich potential. The permit spans 900.67 hectares and surrounds the historic Marsfontein diamond mine.
The permit covers kimberlites M2, M3, M7, M8, and M9, located near the company’s Thorny River properties in Limpopo province. The M3 kimberlite is the primary focus, with historical data indicating a strike length of 100 meters and a true width of more than 10 meters in certain areas.
Previous bulk sampling conducted by other explorers reported diamond grades between 13.9 and 137 carats per hundred tonnes (cpht), with diamonds described as having good color, quality, and size distribution. M3 is positioned on elevated ground, away from water courses, and previous benching work provides straightforward mining access without the need for extensive drilling and blasting.
The acquisition of this permit enhances Botswana Diamonds’ portfolio, particularly the Thorny River properties. Despite the current downturn in the diamond market and the growing presence of lab-grown diamonds, the company anticipates a recovery in demand for mined diamonds. M3 is seen as a promising asset, with plans for further confirmation of its potential ahead of future mining activities.
