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(Sharecast News) - Botswana Diamonds released a three-dimensional model of the newly-discovered kimberlite pipe on Thorny River on Wednesday, after a high-resolution ground gravity survey in October detected an enlarged anomaly along the known kimberlite fissure.
The AIM-traded firm said the anomaly was subsequently followed up by reverse circulation drilling, which confirmed as a kimberlite pipe.
Data from the reverse circulation holes was reconciled with the ground gravity data, to construct a three-dimensional model of the kimberlite pipe.
The best fit model showed an east-west trending body gently dipping to the east, with a surface expression of 80 metres by 40 metres.
Botswana Diamonds said the work was "significant" in providing a maiden three-dimensional model for the kimberlite within the Thorny River project, which it said would enable precision planning of further drill holes and calculation of volumes.
The next step would comprise drilling core holes to further confine the geological boundaries and microdiamond sampling to determine a first-pass diamond grade estimate of the body.
Petrographic studies would be used to confirm the kimberlite types.
The board described geological modelling as an "ongoing and iterative" process, with each piece of new work enhancing and increasing confidence in the model.
Precision work on the gravity data also discovered an additional anomaly to the east, which could be an extension of the kimberlite pipe, and would be drilled in the new year.
"This is our first three-dimensional model of the kimberlite on Thorny River and thus represents an important step in the commercialisation of the project," said chairman John Teeling.
"The discovery of a second anomaly to the east of pipe following this detailed analytical work could be an extension of the pipe and will be drilled in the new year."
At 1126 GMT, shares in Botswana Diamonds were up 4.84% at 0.81p.
18 Jul 2022 12:31
IN BRIEF: Botswana Diamonds starts drilling at Thorny River
Botswana Diamonds PLC - London-based exploration & project development company focused on Botswana and South Africa - Starts drilling on high-grade anomalies on Thorny River in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Plans a minimum of ten reverse circulation drill holes at four high-grade gravity anomalies, as well as one highly prospective target identified by research firm Subterrane Ltd. Says the goal of the drilling programme is to discover additional "blows" on the property in order to expand the resource. This will pave the way for a future mining license or permit application. Expects the drilling to take around two weeks.
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