Last checked at 13 Apr 2011 07:00
Botswana Diamonds plc
("Botswana Diamonds" or "BOD")
Reconnaissance Programme Begins in Cameroon
v Reconnaissance exploration programme commences on Cameroon diamond exploration licence to the south of C&K's Mobilong diamond licence
v Programme includes geological mapping, geochem sampling, excavation of observation pits and the collection of rock samples for further study and analysis
v Objective is to determine the presence of and extent of the diamond bearing host rock
The board of Botswana Diamonds (AIM: BOD) is pleased to announce the commencement of a 60-90 day exploration work programme in its diamond reconnaissance licence to the south of the Mobilong diamond field in Cameroon. The purpose of the work programme is to identify the presence and extent of the diamond bearing host rock that defines the Mobilong diamond field.
From the limited information available, it appears that the diamonds are hosted in a palaeo-conglomerate, from which they have since been eroded in places, and now also occur sporadically in modern alluvial deposits. The programme will include detailed geological mapping, using traverses and cut-lines on a regular grid, accompanied by excavation of observation pits and the collecting of geochemical and rock samples for further analyses. If successful, a limited drilling and trenching/pitting exercise will be implemented to further define the scope and extent of potentially diamondiferous rock sequences.
The work area is in a remote part of Cameroon and access is mostly via roads created by timber companies. The dense tropical rainforest also creates logistical problems and will restrict the extent to which remote sensing techniques can be used to guide the exploration.
John Teeling, the Chairman of Botswana Diamonds commented:
"This is an early stage big potential high risk project. The licence area is 8,000 square kilometres but almost nothing is known about it due to its rainforest location. Our ground abuts the Mobilong diamond discovery to the south and west. Initial prospecting will be in these areas to see if and where the potentially diamondiferous conglomerate lies.
Our team of experienced Cameroonian geologists are used to the difficult rainforest conditions and will focus their efforts and expertise to rapidly evaluate the area of highest interest."
This release has been approved by Andre Fourie, Hons BSc (Geology), who is a registered professional geologist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. Mr Fourie is the Technical Director of Botswana Diamonds and has over 13 years of experience in diamond exploration and mineral resource management.
Enquiries:
Botswana Diamonds PLC
John Teeling, Chairman +353 1 833 2833
Andre Fourie +27 (83) 463 2455
finnCap - Nominated Adviser & Broker
Matthew Robinson +44 (0) 20 7600 1658
Henrik Persson
College Hill
Nick Elwes +44(0) 20 7457 2020
www.botswanadiamonds.co.uk