Botswana Diamonds has been granted a mining permit over its Thorny River project, which is close to the well-known mined-out Marsfontein mine in South Africa.
“At last we have received the mining permit. We also note a small improvement in diamond prices,” said Botswana Diamonds chairperson John Teeling.
“If the price rises are sustained, we can look forward to the commencement of contractor mining at Thorny River.”
Botswana Diamonds had undertaken extensive geophysics, drilling and bulk sampling along the Thorny River dyke-system.
It said the geology and grades were consistent with those in the nearby Klipspringer Mine to the West.
It found two kimberlite blows that are commercial at the right diamond price and which include the River and River Extension zones within the Thorny River project.
Botswana Diamonds said it applied for two mining permits over these two zones and one has since been awarded.
The company decided to use its contractors to mine the nearby Marsfontein gravels and dumps project as a "proof of concept" and will receive a 15% revenue royalty.
It said a contractor moved on site and undertook some trial mining but falling diamond prices and delays in permitting resulted in the project being put on care and maintenance in October 2023.
Botswana Diamonds said once diamond prices recover, mining could resume at Marsfontein, as well as at Thorny River, now that permits are in force.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
