Botswana Diamonds plc (BOD) has announced that a Mining Permit has been granted over the Company’s Thorny River project in South Africa.
The Thorny River project is close to the well-known mined-out Marsfontein mine.
John Teeling, Chairman, commented, “At last we have received the mining permit. We also note a small improvement in diamond prices. If the price rises are sustained, we can look forward to the commencement of contractor mining at Thorny River”.
BOD said it has undertaken extensive geophysics, drilling and bulk sampling along the Thorny River dyke- system. The geology and grades were consistent with those in the nearby Klipspringer Mine to the West. Two kimberlite blows (ie. a significant widening of the kimberlite dyke) which are commercial at the right diamond price and which include the River and River Extension zones within the Thorny River project were outlined. The Company applied for two mining permits over these two zones and one has now been received.
Given the focus of BOD on Botswana, it was decided to use contractors to mine the nearby Marsfontein gravels and dumps project as a “proof of concept” with BOD receiving a 15 percent revenue royalty. A contractor moved on-site and undertook some trial mining. Falling diamond prices and delays in permitting resulted in the project being put on care and maintenance in October 2023. Once diamond prices recover, mining could resume at Marsfontein, as well as commence at Thorny River, now that permits are in force.
