Botswana Diamonds recovered the first diamonds from a Vutomi-owned alluvial and dump mine at Marsfontein, in South Africa, last March.
The Marsfontein project is a precursor to the larger Thorny River project. It was initially scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2023.
The necessary permits for the project have not yet been approved.
Since mining started at Marsfontein, over 1,600 carats of diamonds have been recovered, according to James Campbell, the managing director of Botswana Diamonds, who spoke with Mathew Nyaungwa of Rough & Polished.
He compared the mine to the neighbouring Klipspringer diamond mine and their Thorny River project, both of which had above-average colours and coloured stones.
Below are some excerpts from the interview.
What has been your experience since Botswana Diamonds commenced mining at Marsfontein in South Africa?
Mining historical dumps is tough, especially in today’s diamond market. However, we have extremely lean operations and have not sacrificed the essential fieldwork to give us the greatest chance of success.
Photo credit: Botswana Diamonds
How many diamonds have you recovered from Marsfontein to date?
We have recovered over 1,600 carats of diamonds.
Photo credit: Botswana Diamonds
What is the quality of diamonds that you are recovering from Marsfontein?
The quality is very similar to the nearby Klipspringer diamond mine and Botswana Diamonds’ Thorny River project, which have above-average colours along with coloured stones.
How are your mining operations at Marsfontein helping you improve operations at the larger Thorny River project?
Marsfontein is essentially a proof-of-concept for the Thorny River project.
Photo credit: Botswana Diamonds
What is the significance of discovering new blows at the Thorny River diamond project?
Very significant. The geology, grade, and diamond value of the Zebediela kimberlite field are remarkably consistent, and therefore volume is key.
What are the prospects of discovering more blows?
Good, we just have to continue to be diligent in our thinking and fieldwork.
When are you expecting to receive outstanding permits to mine Thorny River?
It is difficult to comment. Water use licences notoriously take a long time, despite what the authorities say.
Are you planning to keep Thorny River or sell it like AK6 in Botswana?
We generally plan to keep and mine our discoveries ourselves. However, if an offer is made, we will always look at it.
How do you finance your mining operations?
We have a royalty miner who carries out the mining, with Botswana Diamonds’ local affiliate getting a 15% royalty on run-of-mine goods and 20% on specials.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
