Mining at the Marsfontein project in Limpopo, South Africa, is confirmation of a concept that is functioning effectively, according to Botswana Diamonds.
The purpose of Marsfontein is to gather data that will be useful for the company's Thorny River project.
“Despite a slow start, with equipment and weather issues, the project is delivering better-than-expected grades and diamond values,” said company chairperson John Teeling.
“This augurs well for our adjacent Thorny River development, which is expected to commence in the latter half of 2023.”
The establishment of the site began around the end of January, and by the beginning of March, the first diamonds had been retrieved from the gravel and trash that surrounded the ancient pit.
Diamond values and recoveries have exceeded projections, as previously said.
To date, 1,481 carats have been extracted from the site, the largest of which was a low-quality 24.6-carat diamond.
In addition to that, several exceptional or valuable diamonds have been found.
Mining and processing operations are now being carried out.
Production at Thorny River is anticipated to begin sometime in the second half of the year.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
