Botswana Diamond sets drill targets

In June, Botswana Diamondfields (VSE) will begin evaluating 60 kimberlite targets on its properties in Botswana.

Air percussion drilling will be used to extract core from up to three holes at each site. Additional drilling will depend on the presence of kimberlite at each target.

The targets were identified through co-ordination of magnetic and gravity surveys and indicator mineral counts. To evaluate them, the company began a 2-year, $3-million program in November, 1993.

The junior holds four blocks of exploration licences totaling 6,039 sq. km in the southern African country.

Since 1967, three diamond mines — Jwaneng, Orapa and Letlhakane — have been established in Botswana, where diamonds account for more than 80% of export revenues. Two of the company’s property blocks sit close to Orapa and Jwaneng. Norman Lock, the company’s director of exploration and development, has spent 25 years exploring for diamonds in Botswana and South Africa. The company’s Botswana properties are held through Kalahari Exploration, a private company acquired by Botswana Diamondfields and active in the country for seven years. John Darch and Gerald Wright, who have been active in Canada through their company Crew Natural Resources (VSE), are the principals of Botswana Diamondfields.